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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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
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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
-
If the Emmys actually honored shows like this, just hand him the Emmy now.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
23 June 2025
-
The brand played a key role in honoring Thai heritage through costume and set design, with characters like Belinda and Victoria styled in Jim Thompson caftans.—
Ashlee Marie Preston,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
The tribe will close its current single-level casino, which celebrates its fourth anniversary July 1, three months after the introductory casino opens. Construction of the main casino complex started about a year ago.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2025
-
Unlike the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who famously celebrated the fall of the last unbeaten NFL team with champagne, there will be no such victory toast from the Highlanders if the Yankees get shut out Wednesday.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Verb
-
Some parks, however, are blessed with ample indoor options.—
Matt Alderton,
USA Today,
25 June 2025
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This product leaves my skin feeling deeply moisturized and blessed after each shower.—
Kayla Greaves,
Essence,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
In Kahane’s theology, Jewish weakness was the sacrilege, and Jewish strength sanctified God.—
Gershom Gorenberg,
The Atlantic,
30 May 2025
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G‑d’s purpose in creating the world was that all of creation be sanctified, imbuing it with holiness and spirituality.—
Rabbi Moishe Kievman,
Sun Sentinel,
20 May 2025
Verb
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The Lake County Board of County Commissioners will commemorate the colonial patriots who fought for freedom by dedicating a liberty tree at 9 a.m. June 30 at Lake County Fire Rescue Station 39, 24815 Wallick Road, Sorrento.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 June 2025
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Hosted by the Hillcrest Business Association, the Spirit of Stonewall commemorates the Stonewall riots of 1969.—
David Bohnet,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
TikTok praised Trump for signing an extension Thursday.—
Ani Freedman,
Fortune,
20 June 2025
-
The viral TikTok video has amassed over 1,000 comments already, as many social-media users praised the adorable bond that Peach and Bear have.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Solemnize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnize. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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