English Reference

Word

sentencing

Phoneticssen·tenc·ing

US/ˈsɛntənsɪŋ/

UK/sˈɛntənsɪŋ/

Definition

n. the act of a judge officially stating the punishment for a criminal.

n. the formal pronouncement of a punishment by a court of law upon a person convicted of a crime.

Examples

“The judge will announce the sentencing next Monday.”

“After the jury delivered a guilty verdict, the court scheduled the sentencing for the following month to allow for a background report.”

“Legal experts noted that the sentencing reflected a growing trend toward rehabilitation rather than purely punitive measures for first-time non-violent offenders.”

Examples

simple

“The judge will announce the sentencing next Monday.”

contextual

“After the jury delivered a guilty verdict, the court scheduled the sentencing for the following month to allow for a background report.”

complex

“Legal experts noted that the sentencing reflected a growing trend toward rehabilitation rather than purely punitive measures for first-time non-violent offenders.”

Usage

Often used as an uncountable noun referring to the process or a countable noun for the specific hearing.

Real-World Examples

“She cried and was visibly emotional throughout the sentencing.”
BBC News · 14 Aug 2026
“The early release changes were part of the Sentencing Act passed earlier this year that cut the minimum amount of time many offenders would have to spend in prison.”
The Guardian · 11 Aug 2026

Synonyms

Antonyms

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated
Register
Formal

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English Reference