bench

Definition of benchnext
1
as in judge
a public official having authority to decide questions of law appealed to the bench for leniency

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in tribunal
an assembly of persons for the administration of justice a ruling from the bench is expected any day now

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 bench The plane had two seats in the cockpit and two benches in the cabin for the skydivers, the NTSB said. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 That means asphalt and metal benches could cause burns on bare skin, and cars left in the sun will reach potentially fatal temperatures, experts say. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026 Balogun is barred from the team bench and locker room during the upcoming match. Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 That would leave Florida choosing among Cole Reinhardt, Jonah Gadjovich, Vilmanis and Schwindt for the final spot in the lineup and up to two reserves/bench spots. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bench
Noun
  • Over three days in the downtown courtroom in June, a Times reporter observed how many immigrants were funneled into the courtroom in groups, and the judge rarely addressed them directly, typically calling up around five cases at a time.
    Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Prior to the trial beginning, the judge agreed that questions about Brown’s felony conviction for his 2009 assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna would be barred from testimony.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • The South China Sea tribunal in 2016 in the Hague has ruled that China cannot legally occupy the shoal.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • The former Sweden youth international took her appeal to CAS after losing her initial claim at a FIFA tribunal.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • She is expected in court throughout the week with her husband's parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • Trump is consistently being rebuffed in court; the Justice Department has lost at least a dozen election lawsuits.
    Toluse Olorunnipa, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bench. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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