solemnize

Definition of solemnizenext
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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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
Verb
  • The King’s wife, Queen Mette-Marit, is also expected to be consecrated during the ceremony.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Still, there were only eight African Anglican clergy in Kenya by 1920, and the first Kenyan bishops would not be consecrated until 1955.
    — Stephanie TriplettAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Measuring more than 10 feet by 9 feet, Amwan Agwe… (2026), for example, depicts green hills and blue waves alongside the skulls, candles, and fish that nod to Fèt Gede, Haiti’s annual festival honoring the spirits of the dead.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • On Tuesday night at the Prospect Park Borough building, they were honored as outstanding citizens for their quick thinking, courage and life-saving acts.
    — Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The inaugural Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards (The Darcys) crowned its first winners on Saturday, celebrating outstanding achievement in authentic disability representation across film, television and media.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The Bruins’ defense withstood the Ducks’ final push and celebrated a signature victory during a turnaround season.
    — Elias Esquivel, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Kristian Matsson, who records under the moniker The Tallest Man on Earth, is both blessed and cursed by having arrived nearly fully formed.
    — David Harris, SPIN, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles blessed us with that on Sunday.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Guns became sacred, and violence was increasingly justified, if not sanctified.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The church has always preached that humans are created in God’s image; by assuming the messy fragility of human form, God’s son sanctified human experience.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Trantalis will gather with members of the City Commission, city leadership and project partners to commemorate the completion of the facility and mark this next chapter for Fort Lauderdale’s water system.
    — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The 2030 World Cup will also feature three centenary celebration matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, commemorating the inaugural tournament held in Uruguay in 1930.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Maiava echoed Riley’s sentiment when asked about Dyakonov, praising his ability to fill in for Paige on short notice.
    — Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Prior to the first game of the ALCS, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt praised the Tampa Bay and Cleveland general managers respectively.
    — Isaac Tellechea, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Solemnize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnize. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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