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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He was ordained a priest days before his 33rd birthday and was consecrated as an auxiliary bishop of his hometown of Buenos Aires in 1992.—
Christine Rousselle,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Later that evening, Rocky himself made an appearance, effectively consecrating his own corner of the fair and Design.Space as a whole.—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The money funded the Huntington’s research programs, and the institution is nonetheless determined to honor its awards to this year’s recipients.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
-
The decision — the sabbatical — was arrived at with both intending to honor it.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
Carey recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of her album The Emancipation of Mimi with The Emancipation of Mimi (20th Anniversary Edition) and an additional digital deluxe edition.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
6 June 2025
-
Clara Adams, a sophomore at North Salinas High School, crossed the finish line first at last Saturday’s meet and immediately ran to her father, David Adams, to celebrate.—
Melissa Noel,
Essence,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Along with the support from their online community, Miranda says the family has been incredibly blessed by the outpouring of love and help from their local community.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
2 June 2025
-
The King’s Hawaiian rolls at Publix may not have been formally blessed, but come summertime, there’s just no denying that there's something sacred about their delicious simplicity.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
In Kahane’s theology, Jewish weakness was the sacrilege, and Jewish strength sanctified God.—
Gershom Gorenberg,
The Atlantic,
30 May 2025
-
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
-
None of the main four stars — Blake Lively, America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel and Amber Tamblyn — commemorated the event on social media, despite being open about their bond, both on and offscreen, over the years.—
Jack Smart,
People.com,
3 June 2025
-
Minerva was erected in 1920—by Charles M. Higgins, an Irish immigrant who manufactured a famous ink—to commemorate the hundred-and-forty-fourth anniversary of the Battle of Long Island.—
Paige Williams,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
Verb
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While some prominent Jews have praised Trump’s Harvard crackdown, many others say the administration’s actions appear more focused on damaging higher education than addressing the concerns of Jewish students.—
Andrew Lapin,
Sun Sentinel,
27 May 2025
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While many praised the video’s message and Rylie’s insightful approach, others criticized the mom for not sharing her specific experiences with her daughter.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Solemnize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnize. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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