solemnize
verb
sol·em·nize ˈsä-ləm-ˌnīz 
solemnized; solemnizing
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
noun 
Example Sentences
The priest solemnized their marriage.
Recent Examples on the Web Once received, the license must be solemnized with a ceremony conducted by someone recognized as having the legal power do so. 
Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2020 According to custom in these conservative Hindu communities, while weddings are often solemnized at very young ages, a bride typically is sent to live with her husband’s family and consummate the union in her teens. Author: Shashank Bengali, Anchorage Daily News, 24 June 2018 Paper can also help us with solemnizing our transactions — making them official. David Scharfenberg, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Apr. 2018 There is no marker to solemnize the death of the Spurs' unmatched dynasty: RIP 1997-2017. Jeff Mcdonald, San Antonio Express-News, 11 Feb. 2018
Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2020 According to custom in these conservative Hindu communities, while weddings are often solemnized at very young ages, a bride typically is sent to live with her husband’s family and consummate the union in her teens. Author: Shashank Bengali, Anchorage Daily News, 24 June 2018 Paper can also help us with solemnizing our transactions — making them official. David Scharfenberg, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Apr. 2018 There is no marker to solemnize the death of the Spurs' unmatched dynasty: RIP 1997-2017. Jeff Mcdonald, San Antonio Express-News, 11 Feb. 2018 Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
solemnizing
verb
as in consecrating
formal to mark (something) officially or formally especially with a religious ceremony The priest solemnized their marriage. Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- consecrating
- honoring
- celebrating
- blessing
- sanctifying
- commemorating
- praising
- observing
- remembering
- memorializing
- feting
- keeping
- lauding
- fêting
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- ignoring
- disregarding
- violating
- neglecting
- forgetting
- overlooking
- breaking
- transgressing
- blowing off