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
  • 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
  • Each woman wants to honor the others, but each also wants to say the thing that will matter most to Ellen.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Paige DeSorbo was honored with the Variety Courage Award, presented by Purina, for using her platform to advocate for survivors of domestic violence.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • About 60 present and past members of the Aurora Lamplighter Chorus and Elgin’s Fox Valley Harmonizers gathered in August to celebrate each group’s 80th anniversary.
    — Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The landmark was illuminated in green, white and red to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day and honor the country’s culture, identity and traditions.
    — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 19 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
  • Trump’s Arch will flex its muscle and dominate the space between the Lincoln Memorial (ninety-nine feet tall), commemorating a real president, and Arlington National Cemetery, honoring actual battle victims.
    — Letters to the Editor, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The idea advanced in fits and starts over the 20th century until eventually calls to commemorate the legacy of the Civil Rights movement captured the interest of lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The jury noted the film, which had its world premiere at Oldenburg, was made without a budget and praised the resourcefulness that constraint produced, comparing its tone to the irreverence of 1990s comedies.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
  • To thunderous applause, Kirchner praised the expansive welfare programs of his mother's presidency, which ended over a decade ago.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Solemnize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnize. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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