solemnize
verb
sol·em·nize
ˈsä-ləm-ˌnīz 
solemnized; solemnizing
1
: to observe or honor with solemnity
2
: to perform with pomp or ceremony
especially
: to celebrate (a marriage) with religious rites
: to speak or act with solemnity
Examples of solemnize in a Sentence
The priest solemnized their marriage.
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Solemnize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solemnize. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
solemnize
verb
sol·em·nize
ˈsäl-əm-ˌnīz
solemnized; solemnizing
1
: to observe or honor with solemnity
2
: to perform with ceremony
especially
: to unite in marriage with religious ceremony
3
: to make solemn : dignify
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