recognizance

Definition of recognizancenext
as in bail
law a legal promise made by someone before a court of law that must be kept to avoid being punished After his arraignment, the suspect was released on his own recognizance.

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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 recognizance He was charged with a misdemeanor offense and was released on his own recognizance. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026 Richardson was booked into jail on July 18 and posted a $1,500 personal recognizance bond the next day, according to online records. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026 On Monday, a Little Rock District Court judge released Jaynes on his own recognizance, court records say. Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 29 July 2026 But prior to the implementation of the new law, defendants accused of such offenses were often granted release through a proportional bail amount, or even a personal recognizance bond, which meant no upfront money was required for release. Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for recognizance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recognizance
bail
Noun
  • Unable to raise the $750,000 for his bail, his excursions are limited to trial dates.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • She was arraigned July 31, pleaded not guilty, and posted a $25,000 bail bond in that case.
    Julie Watts August 20, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Recognizance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recognizance. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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