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 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 Murphy, 22, has been indicted on one count of theft of mail matter by employee, and was released on his own recognizance, officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recognizance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recognizance
bail
Noun
  • But Lugo concurred with Teymouri’s argument that the family’s extreme wealth and potential risk of flight required her to set a high bail.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The next day, she was arraigned and released on $20,000 bail.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Recognizance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recognizance. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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