1
as in judge
a public official having authority to decide questions of law
appealed to the bench for leniency
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bench
In the midst of a 9-19 start to the year and a negative-54 run differential, the Phillies fired long-time manager Rob Thomson and replaced him with bench coach Don Mattingly.
—
Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Following a bench trial without a jury, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Nancy Margaret Russo (no relation to Dominic Russo) found Mackenzie guilty of all 12 charges against her.
—Katie Mather, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
If your space feels cluttered, consider this ottoman from Kelly Clarkson’s brand that doubles as a storage bench.
—Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026
Chapultepec Castle, once a sovereign residence, is worth a visit, as is Audiorama, an area filled with benches and speakers that pump out different types of music.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for bench
Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Following a bench trial without a jury, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Nancy Margaret Russo (no relation to Dominic Russo) found Mackenzie guilty of all 12 charges against her.
—Katie Mather, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
If your space feels cluttered, consider this ottoman from Kelly Clarkson’s brand that doubles as a storage bench.
—Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026
Chapultepec Castle, once a sovereign residence, is worth a visit, as is Audiorama, an area filled with benches and speakers that pump out different types of music.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for bench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bench
Noun
-
The appeals court that ordered a trial court to reconsider Peters' sentence said the trial judge's consideration of her belief in the existence of 2020 election fraud went beyond what was relevant to sentencing her.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
-
The jury in Harvey Weinstein‘s rape trial in New York has deadlocked, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
In July 202, a tribunal recommended then-chancellor Giovannini reconsider that decision, and in August 2020, McDonald made an appeal to the college’s board of trustees.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
-
The Senate was preparing to convene into a tribunal to try the vice president.—
Joeal Calupitan,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
He is scheduled to appear in court on May 28, according to online court records cited by WISC.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
20 May 2026
-
Jonathan Andic was taken to court facilities in Martorell, a city in eastern Spain where the case is being investigated, said a spokesperson for the Catalan regional police, Mossos d'Esquadra, who spoke on condition of anonymity following department policy.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bench. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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