SENTENCING Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

sentencing

verb

present participle of sentence

as in condemning

to impose a judicial punishment on the judge sentenced him to a fine of $50 and time served

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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 sentencing President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador had turned what was once the world’s deadliest country into one of its safest, largely by rounding up tens of thousands of young men and sentencing them to prison in mass trials. — Jack Nicas, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Would programs like Alabama, Georgia and Texas bolt as opposed to sentencing themselves to the rigors of an SEC schedule for little reward? — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 After he was detained, Russian authorities charged Hubbard with acting as a mercenary and fighting for Ukraine, sentencing him to nearly seven years in prison. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026 Such a motion can allow prosecutors to request a sentence reduction after sentencing based on a defendant’s assistance to investigators. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026 The judge in Kao’s sentencing ultimately offered him no benefit for his cooperation with federal authorities, sentencing him to 87 months in federal prison. — William Turton, ProPublica, 23 Sep. 2026 Then 28, Steen was a groundskeeper at nearby Myers Park Country Club who had been out on parole following sentencing for a series of car break-ins, The Charlotte Observer reported at the time. — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026 Michael Douglas, in a letter to a federal judge who was considering sentencing his son Cameron on drug charges, pleaded for mercy in 2010. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026 Court records show the judge, shortly before sentencing Garcia last week, denied a defense motion seeking a new trial. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentencing

Verb

López’s murder sparked global outcry, with Pope Francis, the United Nations and the human rights arm of the Organization of American States condemning the incident and calling for an independent investigation.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Acton spent Tuesday condemning Ramaswamy for the ad even before his campaign confirmed its provenance.

— Julie Carr Smyth, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of condemning

Verb

The course is august and sweeping, with long straights and punishing curves, framed by the tall pine trees of a former royal park.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
In addition to punishing women who seek the priesthood, the Catholic Church has also sanctioned male clergy who support those ordinations.

— Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of punishing

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sentences

sentencing

sententia

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

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Synonyms of sentencing

verb

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