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Synonym Chooser

How is the word solemn different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of solemn are earnest, grave, sedate, serious, sober, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

When is it sensible to use earnest instead of solemn?

While the synonyms earnest and solemn are close in meaning, earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

When might grave be a better fit than solemn?

While in some cases nearly identical to solemn, grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.

read the proclamation in a grave voice

When would sedate be a good substitute for solemn?

Although the words sedate and solemn have much in common, sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

Where would serious be a reasonable alternative to solemn?

In some situations, the words serious and solemn are roughly equivalent. However, serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

In what contexts can sober take the place of solemn?

The words sober and solemn can be used in similar contexts, but sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When could staid be used to replace solemn?

The words staid and solemn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.

a quiet and staid community

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 solemn In the Potomac River, recovery efforts appear slow and solemn Those driving past the airport Monday morning wouldn’t know by looking out their windows that recovery efforts were taking place. Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025 The Catholic Church opened the solemn Lenten season without the pope's participation. Bradford Betz, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2025 Pope Misses Start of Lent The Catholic Church began the solemn Lenten season on Wednesday without Pope Francis because of his ongoing hospitalization. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025 The solemn occasion saw the notable guests dressed accordingly, with Queen Mary wearing a special jewelry set. Renan Botelho, WWD, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solemn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemn
Adjective
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • After a serious makeover that began in 2023, The WaterShed now features 25 new interactive exhibits as well as a collection of public art.
    Olivia Brandon, Idaho Statesman, 23 Mar. 2025
  • These expert picks start at just $8 at Amazon and could potentially save your life — or at the very least, save you serious money on astronomical ambulance and hospital bills.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Among the greater Eilish team, the sentiment is that of a somber parting, but there remains great respect and appreciation for the tremendous successes, milestones and memories shared with Rukasin and Goodman.
    Shirley Halperin, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The Opening Day festivities in the Bronx took on a somber tone Thursday as the Yankees honored the late son of former outfielder Brett Gardner.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Patrick Henry’s legacy Henry went on to have a distinguished career in Virginia state politics, including serving five one-year terms as governor.
    Cassandra Good, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Victoriana is a distinguished single-malt Scotch whisky from the Glen Scotia Distillery, one of Campbeltown, Scotland's three remaining whisky distilleries.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Fast forward five years and Faris is still trying to find a balance between being a fun, yet stern, mom.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
  • In Volusia County, where Daytona Beach has long had a reputation for being a spring break party destination, Sheriff Mike Chitwood issued a stern warning.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Voters were also asked to give one word to describe the Democratic Party, and the responses were bleak.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Outside of the December slide, this is as bleak as it’s looked for the Rangers this season.
    Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The incongruity of the black tooth and the dignified voice of Joan Crawford shows a next-level artistic understanding of the best of TikTok.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The State of the Union should be a dignified event where Congress and the citizens learn what is happening with our nation and what the president wants to happen.
    DP Opinion, The Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The creatives are perceptive about knowing when to play something for laughs and when to swerve, letting the audience stumble into an unexpected and very earnest emotional gut-punch.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Though nobody’s trying to deny anyone lifesaving services, there’s no question the transition to PPL, which only started in earnest late last year, has been rushed and in some cases chaotic.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Solemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemn. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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