solemnize

verb

sol·​em·​nize ˈsä-ləm-ˌnīz How to pronounce solemnize (audio)
solemnized; solemnizing
Synonyms of solemnizenext

transitive verb

1
: to observe or honor with solemnity
2
: to perform with pomp or ceremony
especially : to celebrate (a marriage) with religious rites
3
: to make solemn : dignify

intransitive verb

: to speak or act with solemnity
solemnization
ˌsä-ləm-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce solemnize (audio)
noun

Examples of solemnize in a Sentence

The priest solemnized their marriage.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Lee signs bill allowing officiants to decline to perform marriages Lee quietly signed into law a bill allowing officiants to decline to solemnize marriages for any reason, which has been criticized by the LGBTQ community as antagonistic. — Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 3 Feb. 2025 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

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of solemnize was in the 14th century

Rhymes for solemnize

See All Rhymes for solemnize

Browse Nearby Words

solemnity
solemnize
solemnizer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Solemnize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solemnize. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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Kids Definition

solemnize

verb
sol·​em·​nize ˈsäl-əm-ˌnīz How to pronounce solemnize (audio)
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
solemnization
ˌsäl-əm-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce solemnize (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on solemnize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for solemnize

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