SOLEMNIZE Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

solemnize

verb

Definition of solemnize

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

Still, there were only eight African Anglican clergy in Kenya by 1920, and the first Kenyan bishops would not be consecrated until 1955.

— Stephanie TriplettAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
The Vatican declared the group of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide in schism after the SSPX consecrated four bishops in Switzerland without Pope Leo XIV’s approval this month.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026

Definition of consecrate

Verb

Situated on the plaza between the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool, the pop-up monument is a temporary tribute honoring the names of almost every person who has served in the military since the nation’s inception.

— Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026
The girls have heard of Head In The Clouds and felt honored to be asked to participate, as artists like KATSEYE, XG, GDRAGON, 2NE1, Zedd, Joji, and more have headlined the festival.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of honor

Verb

Some Syrians celebrated in the streets after the death sentence handed down to al-Assad and his younger brother, Maher.

— Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
The Air Jordan 4 Retro OG Jackie Robinson will be released April 15, which is celebrated as Jackie Robinson Day, from Nike’s Snkrs app and select Jordan Brand retailers for $230.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of celebrate

Verb

The backstory Once upon a time, there was a Spanish family blessed with a talent for finding historic buildings and transforming them into hotels that anyone who admires beauty and nature would want to visit.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
When Mother Nature blesses the area with heavy snow, tee up for a day of skiing at nearby Windham and Hunter mountains, post up with s’mores in front of the fire pits on the property, or unwind in its Finnish-style sauna.

— Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of bless

Verb

The church has always preached that humans are created in God’s image; by assuming the messy fragility of human form, God’s son sanctified human experience.

— Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026
To say that the Union was sacred and the touchstone of democracy was to strengthen slavery by sanctifying the state that protected it.

— Dominic Erdozain, Time, 3 July 2026

Definition of sanctify

Verb

The Gwangju Biennale was founded in 1994 to commemorate the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, during which hundreds of civilians were killed during a protest against the authoritarian military government’s brutal crackdown on civil rights.

— Vivienne Chow, ARTnews.com, 20 Aug. 2026
The free event is one of the signature celebrations commemorating the country's 250th anniversary, according to DC250.

— Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of commemorate

Verb

While many viewers praise the former child star as the beating heart of the series, her newfound success comes with heightened tabloid scrutiny, thecoverage wading into everything from her looks to her love life.

— Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Mourinho stressed that actions speak louder than words, praising his squad's growing unity and dedication.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of praise

Browse Nearby Words

solemnity

solemnize

solemnized

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“Solemnize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnize. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of solemnize

verb

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