death penalty

NOUN

execution of a condemned person

Synonyms

STRONGEST

capital punishment

WEAK

death sentence death warrant execution judicial execution judicial murder legalized killing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Nationwide, support for the death penalty has been waning for decades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Iran's judiciary called the claim "false news", saying the women had never faced the death penalty.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Ghanian police never saw this statement because UK police do not assist countries that have the death penalty.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Hochman has visited San Quentin to see the changes Newsom directed after suspending the death penalty and ordering the dismantling of death row.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2026

He wondered whether Wisconsin had the death penalty.

From "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman