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
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
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
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
Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
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
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
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
-
In the reading, 1 Kings Chapter 9, God warns King Solomon against turning away from him as Solomon consecrates the temple in Jerusalem.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
-
The vessels themselves are inspired by the Catholic ritual of Olea Sancta (Holy Oils), the three sacred oils used in sacraments and blessings and consecrated during the annual Chrism Mass in Holy Week.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
Knicks fan Pierre said, wearing a gold chain with a platano charm (a good-luck symbol honoring Dominican player Karl-Anthony Towns).—
Antonio Ferme,
Variety,
11 June 2026
-
With nearly 50 years on the airwaves across syndicated radio, television and film, Cody was honored with a star on the Music City Walk of Fame in the fall of 2024.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
During the gala the ministry of tourism also celebrated the launch of burgeoning destinations, major developments, and new hotels throughout the country, including in Miches, Punta Bergantín, Samaná, Santo Domingo, and Santiago.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
-
Baltimore's 2026 Pride Week will culminate with the annual parade and festival this weekend, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Timothée Chalamet stays blessed.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
-
Prior to the meeting, dancers in Indigenous garments blessed organizers and local students, who led a procession from the nearby Alum Rock Youth Center on White Road to the district’s offices around the corner.—
Kyle Martin,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
When a couple marry in a church, synagogue or mosque, the ceremony does more than sanctify a union.—
Peter McGraw,
The Conversation,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Like much of the first half of the episode, before the plane crash, this gala sequence is shot in silky gold colors, as if John and Carolyn had already been sanctified.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The celebration is being held to commemorate Art District Liberty Station’s designation as a California Cultural District, according to event organizers.—
Abby Hamblin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 June 2026
-
The Mass commemorates the 100th anniversary of the death of its designer, Gaudí, who died at age 73, three days after he was hit by a tram.—
Joseph Wilson,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz urged residents to remain united in the aftermath of the shooting, while praising first responders for their response to the incident.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2026
-
Antonelli praised Mercedes for improving the car's setup after Ferrari led both Friday practice sessions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Solemnize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnize. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
