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
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Recent Examples of somber
For Kyiv, the day was particularly somber as the city observed Kyiv Day, a national holiday that falls on the last Sunday in May, commemorating its founding in the 5th century.
—
Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
The film's somber romanticism grounds the immaculate airborne action with a rich emotional core, paving the way for overwhelming catharsis at the conclusion.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025
Between the charred remains of vehicles laid a yellow body bag, a somber reminder of the tragedy’s toll.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
There are also several compelling performances, though Baldwin’s somewhat halting, somber turn is not among them.
—Jocelyn Noveck, Boston Herald, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for somber
Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
The film's somber romanticism grounds the immaculate airborne action with a rich emotional core, paving the way for overwhelming catharsis at the conclusion.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025
Between the charred remains of vehicles laid a yellow body bag, a somber reminder of the tragedy’s toll.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
There are also several compelling performances, though Baldwin’s somewhat halting, somber turn is not among them.
—Jocelyn Noveck, Boston Herald, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for somber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somber
Adjective
-
Handheld digital images give way to more solemn documentary reveries, which give way to surveillance footage and TikTok-style social media interludes.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
17 May 2025
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The scenes involving Alma and Erika, both of whom grow up in worlds dominated by a solemn patriarchy and plagued by hardship, feel like they were drawn from period horror movies.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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Blast off at Baltimore's science fiction convention, see natural beauty envisioned by artists from around the world, take a stroll after dark at the zoo, celebrate Baltimore creatives or go to a legendary concert.—
John Coffren,
Baltimore Sun,
22 May 2025
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His dark worldview is premised on the pessimistic presumption that the world will turn on the Jews if given the chance, which is why the Israeli leader has long prized hard power over diplomatic understandings.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
But when the movie started, the mood turned funereal.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
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The former president was seen taking a photo with another mourner; his wife, like first lady Melania Trump — in attendance with President Trump — wore a funereal veil.—
Adam Carlson,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
There is no evidence that Ms. Harris paid for the endorsements, although details on celebrity engagements can be somewhat murky.—
Theodore Schleifer,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
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Even as the temporary agreement between the U.S. and China has lifted sentiment this week, some major U.S. companies are issuing warnings about rising costs and a murky macroeconomic outlook.—
Pia Singh,Tanaya Macheel,
CNBC,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Set in a town ruled by absurd karate law, the film watches as a lonely teen forms an unlikely bond with the ghost of his late father’s favorite action hero.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
27 May 2025
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If there was no Stitch, Lilo would have remained a lonely girl, and Nani silently suffering from her massive responsibilities.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Adjective
-
Stewart is still thanked by gay fans by creating such a rare, highly visible (albeit sad) representation.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
27 May 2025
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My back hurt from that sad excuse for a chair (seriously, who designs dining chairs to feel like medieval torture devices?).—
Renae Gregoire,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Somber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somber. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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