1
as in intentness
a mental state free of jesting or trifling
an abrupt sobriety fell over the group when they heard the news
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in temperance
voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites
although she can afford to wear anything, she practices a sartorial sobriety that bespeaks class and taste
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 sobriety
Pino was not given a sobriety test after the crash.
—
Steven Yablonski,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
With the passage of time, Cervantes’ ongoing sobriety and Castillo’s thin legislative record, the incumbent has quite the uphill battle to hold onto her Assembly seat.
—
Sal Rodriguez,
Oc Register,
19 June 2026
Less perhaps a sobriety shift - and more about ‘treatonomics’.
—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
The eventual development of the 12 steps grew partly out of the example of the Oxford Group, a Christian sobriety movement that centered on surrendering one’s life to God and undergoing a process of moral inventory, confession, and amends, which would be echoed in the 12 steps.
—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sobriety
Steven Yablonski,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
With the passage of time, Cervantes’ ongoing sobriety and Castillo’s thin legislative record, the incumbent has quite the uphill battle to hold onto her Assembly seat.
—
Sal Rodriguez,
Oc Register,
19 June 2026
Less perhaps a sobriety shift - and more about ‘treatonomics’.
—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
The eventual development of the 12 steps grew partly out of the example of the Oxford Group, a Christian sobriety movement that centered on surrendering one’s life to God and undergoing a process of moral inventory, confession, and amends, which would be echoed in the 12 steps.
—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sobriety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sobriety
Noun
-
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.
-
Since that date, the Philadelphia Semiconductor ETF has continued to defy gravity, adding 20%, while the Magnificent 7 as a group is down 10%.
Noun
-
In the winter of 1920, the United States entered Prohibition in the United States after years of campaigning by temperance groups who believed alcohol sat at the root of many social ills.
-
Another was promoting temperance realizing alcoholism could destroy families.
Noun
-
As these events unfold, Early’s earnestness blurs comedy and drama, to surprisingly heartfelt effect.
-
Western, for his part, had by this time recovered something of his usual bluster, and began again upon the subject of Blifil, commending his estate and his family with great earnestness, as though these considerations alone ought to have settled the matter long since.
Noun
-
Because of the way the director works, emotions tend to be more discussed than felt, although there’s something about Carla’s desperation that pierces through all the soberness.
Noun
-
Season 3 opens with the Battle of the Gullet, the largest naval battle in the history of Westeros, and the moment that the Dance of Dragons kicks off in earnest.
-
Canada’s work with the REACT Neuro virtual reality program started in earnest in June 2025.
Cite this Entry
“Sobriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sobriety. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
