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

For many people, body art is a meaningful way to commemorate a milestone, honor a loved one of simply express their individuality.

— Rachel Brown Kirkland, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
As a way to honor her late sister’s memory, Sarah became president of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund from September 1997 until its dissolution in 2012.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 July 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

Jon asks, suggesting a name and/or laying the groundwork for his priest father to come and bless the child.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 31 July 2026
One of her most significant feats was leading a team of artists over the course of a decade to illustrate a massive New Testament Bible written by hand in the Old Georgian language — an endeavor blessed by the Georgian Patriarch himself.

— The Editors of ARTnews, ARTnews.com, 28 July 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

For many people, body art is a meaningful way to commemorate a milestone, honor a loved one of simply express their individuality.

— Rachel Brown Kirkland, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
That didn’t deter them from returning to Jackal Hut to commemorate the 10th and 20th annual Hen Hikes, though it’s since been blacklisted.

— Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 30 July 2026

Definition of commemorate

Verb

During nine years as Manchester mayor, Burnham was praised standing up to central government on behalf of a proud, battle-scarred northern city that gave birth to the Industrial Revolution, movements for social change and a dynamic music scene.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
He’s been praised openly by his fellow receivers, cornerback Jaycee Horn and head coach Dave Canales over the past few days.

— Mike Kaye July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026

Definition of praise

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solemnize

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“Solemnize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnize. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of solemnize

verb

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