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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Recent Examples of bench
Austin Davis, Pennsylvania's first Black lieutenant governor and the youngest in the United States, was elected by his peers to lead the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, an organization intended to build up the party's bench, at the group's winter meeting in Washington.
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Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 5 Dec. 2024
From shelters and ramps to mats and benches, the exhibit is filled with furnishings created to meet the needs of specific breeds while strengthening their relationships with people.
—Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2024
As part of the franchise’s centennial celebration, every player on the 2024-25 roster save for one sat on the home bench to watch the pregame ceremony.
—Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 2 Dec. 2024
But despite that result, the gap between the teams on the ice may be closing and that’s important in a two-franchise market said Greg Cronin, who is in his second season behind the Ducks bench.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bench 
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 5 Dec. 2024
From shelters and ramps to mats and benches, the exhibit is filled with furnishings created to meet the needs of specific breeds while strengthening their relationships with people.
—Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2024
As part of the franchise’s centennial celebration, every player on the 2024-25 roster save for one sat on the home bench to watch the pregame ceremony.
—Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 2 Dec. 2024
But despite that result, the gap between the teams on the ice may be closing and that’s important in a two-franchise market said Greg Cronin, who is in his second season behind the Ducks bench.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bench
Noun
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The legal effort was short-lived, as the federal judge presiding over the case quickly arrived at the same conclusion as Tagliabue, that Belichick was the one to blame for his professional predicament.Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 15 Dec. 2024
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Showdown looms after judge sets hearing to close troubled L.A. juvenile hall.Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Military trials: Instead of civilian courts, military tribunals may handle legal matters, including criminal cases, especially for those accused of disrupting public order.Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 4 Dec. 2024
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Beginning in 1941 in the then-territory, courts were replaced by military tribunals, strict curfews were enforced and people were even banned from photographing coastal areas.Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
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In some cases, courts recognize foreign law as pivotal to properly resolving a U.S. tax issue.Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.D., Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
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Charges in the Wisconsin fake elector case have advanced after the first court hearing.JR Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 14 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Bench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bench. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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