solemnize

verb

Definition of solemnizenext
as in to consecrate
formal to mark (something) officially or formally especially with a religious ceremony The priest solemnized their marriage.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of solemnize The funeral took place in the Cambridge church where her wedding had been solemnized sixteen months earlier. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemnize
  1. consecrate
  2. honor
  3. celebrate
  4. bless
  5. sanctify
  6. commemorate
  7. praise
Verb
  • The Vatican declared the group of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide in schism after the SSPX consecrated four bishops in Switzerland without Pope Leo XIV’s approval this month.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
  • On July 2, the Vatican decreed the excommunication of the SSPX’s bishops and priests, one day after the group consecrated four new bishops in Switzerland without the pope’s consent.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026
Definition of consecrate
Verb
  • The James and Angelia Harris (parents of Cameron) Foundation was also honored with the naming of the Morrison Family YMCA, the Observer reported.
    — Chase Jordan July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
  • The University of Miami football team was honored in the pregame ceremony.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
Definition of honor
Verb
  • Retired tech executive David Cancel and scientist Amanda Cirello recently celebrated their lavish wedding on Isola del Garda, Lake Garda, Italy.
    — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • There’s a set that celebrates postal workers, another depicting bald eagles at every life stage from awkward chick to majestic icon of Americana, and one that is smattered with colorful Route 66 landmarks.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 July 2026
Definition of celebrate
Verb
  • The deal was blessed by the Justice Department in June (reportedly over the objections of staffers who were reviewing it).
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 23 July 2026
  • Was blessed to live in Denver for all of those Red Wings-Avs playoff matchups.
    — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of bless
Verb
  • To say that the Union was sacred and the touchstone of democracy was to strengthen slavery by sanctifying the state that protected it.
    — Dominic Erdozain, Time, 3 July 2026
  • The cruelest dimension of this is that a Christianity hijacked by the evangelical right now seeks to sanctify that mythology in the name of God.
    — Otis Moss III, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
Definition of sanctify
Verb
  • In the meantime, Roosevelt was sitting for an artist who was creating a medal commemorating the building of the Panama Canal.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 July 2026
  • Pamela Warner commemorated the anniversary of her son’s death on Tuesday, sharing photos from their past on the Instagram page dedicated to her son’s memory.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of commemorate
Verb
  • Trump did strike some notes of unity, praising the Secret Service and denouncing political violence.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • The guide praised Stubborn Seed’s commitment to sustainability.
    — Connie Ogle July 25, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Definition of praise

Browse Nearby Words

solemnity
solemnize
solemnized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Solemnize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnize. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of parochial

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All