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.

A recent Gallup poll found that support for the death penalty is at a 50-year low.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

The death penalty is normally carried out at the state level in the United States but the federal government can also seek execution for a limited set of crimes.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 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

I didn't have a basic grasp of the complex appeals process that shaped death penalty litigation, a process that would in time become as familiar to me as the back of my hand.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson