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

But Iran's judiciary described his remarks as "false news", saying the women had never faced the death penalty.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

Aderonke Apata, who founded the African Rainbow Family charity, was granted asylum in the UK because she is a lesbian and could have faced the death penalty in Nigeria.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

California’s next governor would have the power to end Newsom’s moratorium on the death penalty, appoint state judges and grant state pardons.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Bagwell's public complaints made it hard for courts to appoint other civil lawyers for last-stage appeals in a death penalty case, not that they were particularly inclined to do so.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson