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
  • 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
  • In the late 1980s, its ‌founder ⁠Marcel Lefebvre consecrated four bishops without the approval of Pope John Paul II, leading those involved to be excommunicated.
    Reuters, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Nearly a year later, the city unveiled a series of street sign toppers on South Calhoun Street to honor Bridges.
    Brayden Garcia July 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • To mark the groundbreaking film’s 40th anniversary, Scary Movies is honored to host McNaughton in person for the world premiere of a brand-new 4K restoration.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • With tourists in the city almost like never before, residents celebrate the diverse walks of life.
    Zuri Primos July 12, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • Afterward, celebrating English fans sang their curiously customary victory song, Oasis’ Wonderwall.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
Verb
  • Circe, who is blessed with some powers of insight, turns out to be right.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 2026
  • Even just one win in international football is superb, but the point about Deschamps is that he has been blessed with one of the most astonishing generations of talent the game has ever seen.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 15 July 2026
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
Verb
  • To commemorate the milestone, an awards ceremony is being held during the fair to recognize the activists that fought for the law to pass.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • The interior is lined with beige leather and features a patch commemorating the partnership between Louis Vuitton and FIFA.
    Reuters, NBC news, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • Messi praised Yamal as a top talent during an event with Fanatics in between the respective press conferences.
    Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • Clement, whose own All-Star rise was influenced by Mattingly, praised his former coach's success, noting his reunion with his son, the Phillies' general manager.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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