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
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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
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Recent Examples of sobriety
Failure to enforce sobriety within their respective chambers would subject the presiding officer to the same penalties as the violating member, according to the measure.
—
Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice, 29 Jan. 2026
Mancini has been in her current sobriety program for nearly a year.
—Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026
Public health researchers and consumer trend analysts attribute the trend, in part, to #sobertok — a community of TikTokers documenting their sobriety — as well as the rise in grocery and housing costs.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026
Authorities said he was asked to get of the vehicle for a field sobriety test, but then suddenly collapsed in the snow.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sobriety
Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice, 29 Jan. 2026
Mancini has been in her current sobriety program for nearly a year.
—Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026
Public health researchers and consumer trend analysts attribute the trend, in part, to #sobertok — a community of TikTokers documenting their sobriety — as well as the rise in grocery and housing costs.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026
Authorities said he was asked to get of the vehicle for a field sobriety test, but then suddenly collapsed in the snow.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sobriety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sobriety
Noun
-
In the case of Steve Jobs, his incredible strength in transcendence tips into excess because it is not supported by other dimensions of character, such as patience, calm, and self-regulation that come from temperance, and the humility and humanity to see other points of view.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
On a single day in 1900, a former schoolteacher destroyed three saloons using bricks, rocks, and a billiard ball—all to advance the cause of temperance.—
The Atlantic Science Desk,
The Atlantic,
27 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Most agree that simple gravity took over afterward.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Both parties are being pulled into this gravity well.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
With a sprinkle of '80s nonsensical wit, Splash is an easy-breezy watch that finds its place in the sun by being ridiculously campy while grounding itself in earnestness, thanks to Hanks and Hannah's bewitching lead performances.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Jan. 2026
-
And his earnestness is inspiring.—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
18 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The parallel: Reid had known Spagnuolo for decades, starting in earnest when Reid was an assistant coach at Mizzou and Spagnuolo was a frequent visitor.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Negotiations to establish the bank started in earnest in 2014, as several Asian economies like India and Indonesia chose to join the new institution as members.—
Nicholas Gordon,
Fortune,
14 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sobriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sobriety. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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