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
Lee signs bill allowing officiants to decline to perform marriages
Lee quietly signed into law a bill allowing officiants to decline to solemnize marriages for any reason, which has been criticized by the LGBTQ community as antagonistic.
—
Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 3 Feb. 2025
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
The vows were solemnized by Hunter S. Thompson who was an ordained minister.
—Rory Feehan, SPIN, 9 Nov. 2023
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
Paper can also help us with solemnizing our transactions — making them official.
—David Scharfenberg, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Apr. 2018
There is no marker to solemnize the death of the Spurs' unmatched dynasty: RIP 1997-2017.
—Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 11 Feb. 2018
Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 3 Feb. 2025
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
The vows were solemnized by Hunter S. Thompson who was an ordained minister.
—Rory Feehan, SPIN, 9 Nov. 2023
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
Paper can also help us with solemnizing our transactions — making them official.
—David Scharfenberg, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Apr. 2018
There is no marker to solemnize the death of the Spurs' unmatched dynasty: RIP 1997-2017.
—Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 11 Feb. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemnize
Verb
-
And so, next door to the photo booth where Nic and Cierra consecrated their mutual vibe, cowgirl style, Hannah climbs onto Pepe’s muscular thighs and gets a little cowgirl make-out of her own.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
18 June 2025
-
For the Gulf states, a nuclear deal would align their strategy with Washington’s Middle East policy, which could then be consecrated in a formal strategic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia.—
Vali Nasr,
Foreign Affairs,
10 June 2025
Verb
-
Glenn was honored in the Guest Actor in a Drama category.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
15 July 2025
-
With Pro Skater 3+4, the developers aimed to strike a balance between honoring the series’ legacy and evolving it for a new generation of players.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
The pillar artwork features a waving Pope Leo XIV along with a picture from the TV broadcast of the future pope sitting with good Schmit and his grandson, Eddie. Members of the 2005 team are in Chicago this weekend to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the championship run.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
-
The rapper was celebrating too — 25 years of making music.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
The South is blessed with exquisite peaches all summer long.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
19 July 2025
-
The nurse called the priest to do an exorcism on the house and bless the nurse and her roommate.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
If you were seated at her Met Gala, you weren’t just seen—you were sanctified.—
Jeetendr Sehdev,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
The purpose of the prayers is for him and his aunt to recite the Kaddish, to sanctify God’s name in their time of grief.—
David Bezmozgis,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Mentions of trans people were removed from the National Park Service website about the National Monument at Stonewall, commemorating the start of the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, an effort initially led in part by trans people.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
21 July 2025
-
On July 19, the sovereign prince of Monaco, 67, stepped out at the Place du Palais for a community celebration commemorating the 20th anniversary of his royal reign.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
21 July 2025
Verb
-
Gadd acknowledged disappointment over losing Jones’ contribution, praising the actor’s exceptional work and noting audiences would miss seeing his full performance range.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 July 2025
-
We’re praised for being caring, warm, and vulnerable, but only until those same qualities make someone else uncomfortable.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Solemnize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnize. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share