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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bleak
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
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 somber
During the memorial service, hundreds of students from Utumishi Girls Academy sang a somber hymn declaring that all shall be well.
—
ABC News, 12 June 2026
Adams does not stop for meaning, his early minimalist style causing the words to flow over you whether in somber reflection or the wildness of wild nights that do, indeed, stop for death.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
There’s a somber scene in a new documentary about Patrick Kelly, where executive producers Jess Manning and Ray Cornelius are at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center, about to dive into research about the late fashion designer.
—Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
But after seven episodes wearing down the viewer with a bleak perspective, in the season finale, Euphoria pulls itself out of its own somber patterns to reach for grace and mercy in Christian symbolism, American wholesomeness, and the concept of family.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for somber
ABC News, 12 June 2026
Adams does not stop for meaning, his early minimalist style causing the words to flow over you whether in somber reflection or the wildness of wild nights that do, indeed, stop for death.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
There’s a somber scene in a new documentary about Patrick Kelly, where executive producers Jess Manning and Ray Cornelius are at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center, about to dive into research about the late fashion designer.
—Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
But after seven episodes wearing down the viewer with a bleak perspective, in the season finale, Euphoria pulls itself out of its own somber patterns to reach for grace and mercy in Christian symbolism, American wholesomeness, and the concept of family.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for somber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somber
Adjective
-
She’s talked up her push to convert darkened streetlights, many of them stripped of their copper wire, to solar power.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
-
In the darkened foyer, Ember contemplated this unassuming bit of paper, momentarily paralyzed by a mixture of dread and excitement stirred together, an overpowering sensation that oozed from the crown of her head, down the length of her body, then hardened, like a soft golden resin becoming solid.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Their pursuit leads them down a highly unusual path with no easy answers, and Bong masterfully balances tonal shifts from bleak tragedy to absurdist humor to highlight why the case remains so compelling.—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
-
The picture looks much bleaker for the president now.—
Linley Sanders,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
But the true story behind it is a dark, sad and overall pretty confusing one.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
Trudeau embraced the Southern California vibes and wore a green T-shirt with black shorts and a pair of dark sunglasses.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
To be fair, abducted 9-year-old Rainy is pretty cute, with solemn eyebrows and a conscience that continually puts her in peril.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
The once-rising developer’s solemn promise is not likely to be fulfilled if court records in his federal criminal case and a parallel Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit are any indication.—
Jay Weaver
June 6,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
Algae bloomed late last week just days after the completion of the renovation, turning the pool from deep blue to green and murky.—
Jonathan Karl,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
-
The details remain murky, but reports indicated that American and Iranian leaders on Monday signed an agreement intended to end hostilities between the countries.—
Las Vegas Review-Journal,
Twin Cities,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
After watching and enjoying the film, a somewhat depressing thought leaped into my mind.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
-
After a depressing four-year hiatus, Bus Palladium has been transformed into a 35-room luxury hotel with a bar, restaurant, and club by building owner Christian Casmèze and hotelier Nicolas Saltiel, with architecture and interiors by the design firm Studio KO.—
Alexander Lobrano,
Air Mail,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
According to the Cleveland Clinic, bipolar disorder is marked by periods of mania, along with depressive episodes.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
15 June 2026
-
In a 2025 study of 209 adolescents aged 10 to 17 who had a depressive or anxiety disorder, researchers examined iron deficiency and anxiety through brain scans and interviews.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
The pressure cooker of veterinary school, combined with my disconnection from nature and from the people who loved me and knew me best, left me increasingly isolated, lonely and depleted.—
Brad Ryan,
PEOPLE,
13 June 2026
-
Today, Cobbs, 36, splits her time between southeastern San Diego and Atlanta, and took some time to talk about her work, and being able to help other people feel a little less lonely.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Somber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somber. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
