Standard Lemma guide

solemnize

verb · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To make solemn, or official, through ceremony or legal act.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, transitive

Examples

  • The couple chose to solemnize their relationship in a secular ceremony, instead of having a wedding.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To make grave, serious, and reverential.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • September 27, 1873, John Campbell Shairp, "Wordsworth's Three Yarrows", in Every Saturday Wordsworth was solemnized and elevated by this his first look on Yarrow.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

make solemn and grave

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • This ceremony solemnized our hearts

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: solemnise

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: change, alter, modify

4

verb

Meaning 4

perform (the wedding ceremony) with proper ceremonies

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: solemnise

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: marry, wed, tie, splice

5

verb

Meaning 5

observe or perform with dignity or gravity

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The King solemnized this day of morning

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: solemnise

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: observe, celebrate, keep

History

Etymology

From Middle English solempnisen, from Old French solemnisier, from Medieval Latin solemnizare, from Latin solemnis.