1
as in shadow
partial darkness due to the obstruction of light rays
the lunar eclipse began with a subtle darkening of the lunar surface as it passed within the Earth's penumbra
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in veil
something that covers or conceals like a piece of cloth
a penumbra of despair fell over the doomed city
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of penumbra
Some of this work involves agencies such as the National Reconnaissance Office, placing it within the penumbra of classification.
—
Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
Here's what Hoosiers will be seeing during the event, writes NASA:
11:57 p.m., Penumbral eclipse begins: The moon enters the Earth’s penumbra, the outer part of the shadow.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Although the penumbra phase is interesting, most spectators will begin observing during the partial phase.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The entire process should end by this time as the moon slowly exits the Earth's penumbra.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penumbra
Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
Here's what Hoosiers will be seeing during the event, writes NASA:
11:57 p.m., Penumbral eclipse begins: The moon enters the Earth’s penumbra, the outer part of the shadow.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Although the penumbra phase is interesting, most spectators will begin observing during the partial phase.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The entire process should end by this time as the moon slowly exits the Earth's penumbra.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penumbra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penumbra
Noun
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The morning light casts jagged shadows across the pink stone, catching the saguaro spines and illuminating them like desert saints.—
Rowan Jacobsen,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
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While dance music vocalists often live in the shadows of the scene, her goal is to put herself, her voice, her personality and her stories at the fore.—
Katie Bain,
Billboard,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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There’s also a significant cultural observation made about the mandatory rule that Iranian women shield their faces with a veil.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
24 Oct. 2025
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The veil of Queen Camilla’s mantilla included delicate floral embroidery, echoing the botanical inspiration of the ornate piece.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The set is available in 19 colors, including a rich clay shade ideal for autumn.—
Melody Kazel,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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The trendy shoe was released in many skin-tone shades as part of a Nudes capsule collection released over the summer.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Some wear kittles, white burial shrouds, to signify repentance, according to History.—
Krys'tal Griffin,
Freep.com,
2 Oct. 2025
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Moraes developed computer models to simulate draping a sheet on both a 3D human form and a bas-relief carving to test which version most closely matched the figure preserved in the shroud.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
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One hour becomes two, two become three, my mind straining for answers in the blackness.—
Rowan Jacobsen,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
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Smoke and blackness enfolded him.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The 42-seat screening room, originally a cloak room, is officially a part of the private residence of the First Family, but its history from Eisenhower to Reagan was recorded by its longtime projectionist, Paul Fischer.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
23 Oct. 2025
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My freshman-year college roommate brought an entire underbed storage tub full of medieval costumes (multiple petticoats and cloaks).—
Ali Barthwell,
Vulture,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Here, guests can enjoy barbecues on the beach, or settle in for a cocktail on the cliffs at dusk, paired with ocean views.—
Gwen Nicol,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Oct. 2025
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Try top-water lures at dawn or dusk.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The shootings cast a pall on what is normally a jubilant season in the Mississippi countryside, as stifling heat gives way to cooler autumn days and former residents return to reconnect with the community of their youth.—
Aishvarya Kavi,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
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The result is not just uncertainty for viewers, TV executives and show staffs, but a pall over an advertising category that's long been a staple of live TV.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penumbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penumbra. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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