as in to consecrate
formal
to mark (something) officially or formally especially with a religious ceremony
The priest solemnized their marriage.
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Recent Examples of solemnize
Lee signs bill allowing officiants to decline to perform marriages
Lee quietly signed into law a bill allowing officiants to decline to solemnize marriages for any reason, which has been criticized by the LGBTQ community as antagonistic.
—
Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 3 Feb. 2025
In one temple, an officiant claimed that his facility had solemnized 1,500 mixed marriages over the last five years.
—Ira Trivedi, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2013
The vows were solemnized by Hunter S. Thompson who was an ordained minister.
—Rory Feehan, SPIN, 9 Nov. 2023
Once received, the license must be solemnized with a ceremony conducted by someone recognized as having the legal power do so.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2020
According to custom in these conservative Hindu communities, while weddings are often solemnized at very young ages, a bride typically is sent to live with her husband’s family and consummate the union in her teens.
—Author: Shashank Bengali, Anchorage Daily News, 24 June 2018
Paper can also help us with solemnizing our transactions — making them official.
—David Scharfenberg, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Apr. 2018
There is no marker to solemnize the death of the Spurs' unmatched dynasty: RIP 1997-2017.
—Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 11 Feb. 2018
Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 3 Feb. 2025
In one temple, an officiant claimed that his facility had solemnized 1,500 mixed marriages over the last five years.
—Ira Trivedi, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2013
The vows were solemnized by Hunter S. Thompson who was an ordained minister.
—Rory Feehan, SPIN, 9 Nov. 2023
Once received, the license must be solemnized with a ceremony conducted by someone recognized as having the legal power do so.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2020
According to custom in these conservative Hindu communities, while weddings are often solemnized at very young ages, a bride typically is sent to live with her husband’s family and consummate the union in her teens.
—Author: Shashank Bengali, Anchorage Daily News, 24 June 2018
Paper can also help us with solemnizing our transactions — making them official.
—David Scharfenberg, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Apr. 2018
There is no marker to solemnize the death of the Spurs' unmatched dynasty: RIP 1997-2017.
—Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 11 Feb. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemnize
Verb
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He was ordained a priest days before his 33rd birthday and was consecrated as an auxiliary bishop of his hometown of Buenos Aires in 1992.—
Christine Rousselle,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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Later that evening, Rocky himself made an appearance, effectively consecrating his own corner of the fair and Design.Space as a whole.—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Nas will deliver a powerful set, and Doug E. Fresh will honor ESSENCE’s 55th anniversary with a performance of the ages.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
10 June 2025
-
Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I. and more will also reunite on stage to honor the franchise.—
Claire Franken,
TVLine,
9 June 2025
Verb
-
Related Articles Stanley Cup damaged during Florida Panthers celebration Florida Panthers celebrate Stanley Cup win at Elbo Room | PHOTOS Better the second time around: South Florida celebrates Panthers’ Stanley Cup encore victory That first lap with the Cup meant something to all of them.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
18 June 2025
-
The tribe will close its current single-level casino, which celebrates its fourth anniversary July 1, three months after the introductory casino opens. Construction of the main casino complex started about a year ago.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2025
Verb
-
Earlier this month, people in around 16 different states were blessed with the opportunity to see the swirling green, red and purple lights.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
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The South is blessed with a bounty of delicious mayonnaise brands, each with their own evangelistic bands of fervent followers.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
14 June 2025
Verb
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In Kahane’s theology, Jewish weakness was the sacrilege, and Jewish strength sanctified God.—
Gershom Gorenberg,
The Atlantic,
30 May 2025
-
G‑d’s purpose in creating the world was that all of creation be sanctified, imbuing it with holiness and spirituality.—
Rabbi Moishe Kievman,
Sun Sentinel,
20 May 2025
Verb
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The holiday, like the name suggests, commemorates the date the United States approved the design for its national flag, an enduring symbol of freedom.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
15 June 2025
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The Army is commemorating its 250th anniversary with a festival and parade in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, June 14, which is also President Trump's 79th birthday.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
Verb
-
Sonko also praised China in his statement on Friday.—
Rebecca Tauber,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
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The viral TikTok video has amassed over 1,000 comments already, as many social-media users praised the adorable bond that Peach and Bear have.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Solemnize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnize. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.
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