variants
or sombre
1
as in darkened
being without light or without much light
the prison's somber interrogation room has the desired effect of striking fear and despair into the prisoner
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in solemn
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
the somber occasion of a dear friend's funeral
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of somber
Mickey 18 is meaner and more somber, allowing Pattinson to try out a completely different persona.
—
David Sims, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025
As the mood of the play becomes more somber (complete with darkening sky, thunder, rain and wailing guitar), its purpose becomes clear.
—Demetrios Matheou, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025
Party leaders asked their members ahead of the address to maintain a dignified and somber presence in the chamber during Trump's speech.
—Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 6 Mar. 2025
The mix of Black trauma and White philanthropy created a peculiar vibe in the event space, at once somber and thrilling, mournful and hopeful.
—Nicholas Lalla, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for somber
David Sims, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025
As the mood of the play becomes more somber (complete with darkening sky, thunder, rain and wailing guitar), its purpose becomes clear.
—Demetrios Matheou, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025
Party leaders asked their members ahead of the address to maintain a dignified and somber presence in the chamber during Trump's speech.
—Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 6 Mar. 2025
The mix of Black trauma and White philanthropy created a peculiar vibe in the event space, at once somber and thrilling, mournful and hopeful.
—Nicholas Lalla, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for somber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somber
Adjective
-
From its origins as a solemn feast day to its transformation into a global celebration of Irish heritage, St. Patrick's Day is a meaningful occasion for many.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Slow, solemn Christmas music accompanied them, as if in church.—
Joyce Carol Oates,
The New Yorker,
16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Boat Rocker’s slate currently comprises the likes of 1980s throwback dark comedy Video Nasty, drama series Mix Tape and Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber’s Sundance 2024 doc War Game.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
11 Mar. 2025
-
The outage was random and intermittent, lasting for 45 minutes at a time, then resuming only to go dark again for another 45 minutes.—
John Brandon,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Never mind that, by an accident of political timing, so many theater creatives as well as so much of the audience is feeling funereal.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
24 Feb. 2025
-
The song, originally light and airy, now sounds almost funereal, as Faithfull’s voice comes close to cracking.—
Robert Levine,
Billboard,
1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The situation here becomes more murky because Fusion GPS hired Christopher Steele, a former British intelligence officer, to investigate Trump’s ties with Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin.—
Niall Stanage,
The Hill,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Prior to Wednesday’s announcement, the stock had declined more than 50% over the past 12 months as the company’s future became increasingly murky.—
Bloomberg,
The Mercury News,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Retirement has been described by many who struggle as being incredibly lonely.—
Lorraine Wiseman,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
-
Four months ago, the lonely widower met Anna Valenza.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Family members and two of his lawyers say he was diagnosed with severe PTSD, a sad and rapid fall that ended in another explosion of violence.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2025
-
Their eggs failed to hatch in 2023 and 2024, leaving many internet followers sad.—
Amanda Kooser,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Somber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somber. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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