recognizance

Definition of recognizancenext
as in bail
law a legal promise made by someone before a court of law that must be kept to avoid being punished After his arraignment, the suspect was released on his own recognizance.

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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 recognizance Worse, if released on bail or a recognizance bond, such criminals may not return to face the charges. — Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2026 He was released on his own recognizance that day, with an arraignment scheduled the morning of the gunfight with a tactical team in Iowa Hill. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026 The dispute comes at a time when counties are encountering a growing number of defendants who qualify for release on their own recognizance — meaning without having to post any bail — while awaiting trial. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2026 Among issues to be addressed at Friday’s pretrial hearing is Teuber’s motion requesting the court set bond or release him on his own recognizance. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recognizance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recognizance
bail
Noun
  • Taiya Herndon is scheduled to appear for a hearing over the amount of her bail, set at $500,000 to be paid in full, on Thursday.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Douglas Herlihy was arraigned and released on bail posted by his father, the affidavit said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Recognizance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recognizance. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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