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
  • It was consecrated by James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, young Black and Jewish men murdered together in 1964 for their work to register Black voters.
    — Seth Limmer, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • In Sugar Land, Texas, a 90-foot statue of the deity Hanuman, consecrated in 2024 at a temple complex, continues to draw disparaging comments, including one YouTube personality who recently urged its demolition.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The annual award recognizes the top high school football player in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties, honoring not only athletic excellence but also leadership, character, academics and sportsmanship.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The best way to honor Veterans Day is to take President Eisenhower’s admonition to heart and work for peace in the future, resolving that, henceforth, Americans will have to serve only in wars where America’s vital interests are truly at stake.
    — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 11 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • At a free, all-day festival in Newark, hundreds gathered to celebrate Indian culture, with live music, traditional clothing and food creating a sense of connection to home.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • More than one billion people across faiths celebrate it in the world's most populous nation and its diaspora.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Through the spring and summer the forest in this mountain backcountry had been blessed with abundant rainfall and the wild creatures were busy reaping the berries, seeds and other browse.
    — Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 5 Nov. 2026
  • God blessed the chance to work in that beautiful city, a very historical football team, a ton of history there.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • His unselfishness prevents him from being made to look a fool, and instead he is dignified by it, sanctified by it.
    — Artforum, Artforum, 4 Nov. 2026
  • At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth felt her baby leap in her womb, which signified that John had become sanctified and cleansed of original sin, as if by baptism, according to Catholic doctrine.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In a rare role reversal, Lipa is the fangirl, whipping out her phone to commemorate the occasion with a group selfie.
    — Daniela Tijerina, Vanity Fair, 12 Nov. 2026
  • While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.
    — Stefan Becket, CBS News, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • And several places in the state’s mountains were praised for their fall foliage, CharlotteFive previously reported.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Jim praised the company's efforts to keep prices down for consumers battling the elevated costs of everyday items from groceries to gasoline.
    — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Solemnize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnize. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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