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.

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
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
  • And while the brand continues to honor its heritage, Giraco said Dom Pérignon is always looking ahead and evolving.
    — Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Pingyao also honored Marco Müller and Han Sanping with the International Contribution to Chinese Cinema Award, and producer Tang Yan, founder of Hello Group, which owns social app Momo, with the 10th Anniversary Award.
    — Jenny S. Li, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Other events to attend include CULTURA Fiesta Latina held every September to celebrate Latin culture through food, music, dance, and programming and the Christkindl Markt, which brings a festive European-style market to to town.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The Associated Press SHENZHEN, China -- SHENZHEN, China (AP) — Elina Svitolina slammed her racket on the court to celebrate earning Ukraine a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup final for the first time Saturday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Lange, bless her, lends some stability to this narratively shaky material through her performance, effectively conveying a mix of vulnerability and grit as Constance.
    — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Natalia believes everyone has a role in the Morales family and works to preserve their respected name – God bless anyone who gets in her way.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 Sep. 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
  • Katrina anniversary game Monday night will be an emotional one in New Orleans as the Saints commemorate the 20th anniversary of their return to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.
    — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In pieces commemorating the anniversary of the march, journalists have sometimes focused on the lack of women’s voices on the day.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Jonathan Cohen, who leads gambling policy at the American Institute for Boys and Men, praised these moves but said their impact may be limited, pointing to data from state regulators showing that few gamblers utilize similar tools on sportsbooks.
    — Marshall Cohen, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also praised the passengers who stepped up and noted in his statement that investigation is still ongoing.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Solemnize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnize. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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