SOLEMNIZE Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

solemnize

verb

Definition of solemnize

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 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 community will gather across from crime scene at the church to honor a man who appeared to get caught up in something that had nothing to do with him.

— Jermont Terry, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Seven months after legendary director Rob Reiner and his wife, photographer Michele Singer, were killed, their children Jake and Romy Reiner stepped up to the plate at Dodgers Stadium to honor them.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of honor

Verb

Quixotic aerialists twisted, turned and unfolded above the crowd, using flowing fabric and butterfly-inspired movements to mirror the creatures being celebrated.

— Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
Before last Saturday, her photographs of Eaton athletics celebrated games, effort and victories.

— Brian Maass, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of celebrate

Verb

Yet, now living in Los Angeles, I (and we) are blessed to have access to world-class mangoes, like those from Wong Farms.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
But blessed with unusual wit and sensitivity, as well as a delightful young cast, the Amazon drama nevertheless stands out as something special.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 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

The idea for this book grew from conversations among Aurora Historical Society board members about a project to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, as well as the 120th anniversary of the historical society.

— Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Meghan’s As ever lifestyle brand also shared well-wishes to commemorate her 44th birthday last year.

— Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of commemorate

Verb

Their videos work as a modern take on the narcocorridos – ballads about the trafficking underworld that drug kingpins used to praise themselves and communicate with each other, said security expert Alexei Chévez.

— Rey Rodríguez, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
The state Korean Central News Agency on Wednesday also praised samgyetang, a chicken soup stuffed with ginseng, glutinous rice and jujubes, reporting that Pyongyang restaurants were attracting customers seeking relief from the heat.

— Reuters, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of praise

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“Solemnize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnize. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of solemnize

verb

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