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 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
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Recent Examples of somber
His somber, intense supporting role in Monster's Ball (2001) showed audiences a more serious side to his talents.
—
Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
The past few days’ fallout is a long way from any somber scene like that.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
The glow of hundreds of candles illuminated somber faces, sobs often cutting through the silence in the crisp spring air.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026
As McKenna's family mourns and questions continue to swirl about the circumstances surrounding the teen's death, here's how those who loved her remembered her on a somber day in South Dakota and what to know about the case.
—Angela George, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for somber
Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
The past few days’ fallout is a long way from any somber scene like that.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
The glow of hundreds of candles illuminated somber faces, sobs often cutting through the silence in the crisp spring air.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026
As McKenna's family mourns and questions continue to swirl about the circumstances surrounding the teen's death, here's how those who loved her remembered her on a somber day in South Dakota and what to know about the case.
—Angela George, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for somber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somber
Adjective
-
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
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As scientists often find darkened teeth in ancient burials, other factors can contribute to a black appearance, notably the chewing of betel leaves.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That’s partly because their bleak ending feels like a foregone conclusion from the start, even as Levinson’s frequently funny script crackles with comic depravity.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2026
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While the subject matter is bleak, Almodóvar balances the darkness with a tenderness and sensitivity that comes from a career of exploring women's lives at their most intimate.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Sunscreen protects against sun damage, premature aging and dark spots.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Harden, 36, with his famous, protruding beard and those dark, piercing eyes, was determined to use his star power to get his way, to bring with him a slice of comfort to a new city.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Scenes from some of the Robert Pearson character’s old movies are done in a 1940s Hollywood style using young actors that resemble James Dean or Robert Mitchum juxtaposed with the stark, solemn, isolated existence of the elderly Pearson.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
9 Apr. 2026
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Although the pope celebrates mass regularly on Sundays, feast days, and many other occasions, the Urbi et Orbi blessing is much rarer, reserved for solemn events in the church’s liturgical calendar.—
Leo XIV,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The meaning of the messages is murky.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
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Season 3 leaps forward five years, aging its characters out of high school and into a much murkier version of adulthood.—
Precious Fondren,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Sam Levinson’s vision of a woman’s life is pretty depressing.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
10 Apr. 2026
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In his teaching, Weil conveyed his love for Russian literature’s very lengthy — and at times dark and depressing — novels with enthusiasm and aplomb, colleagues recalled.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Longitudinal studies report 2 to 5 times higher risk for major depressive episodes during perimenopause compared with late premenopause.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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Studies have shown that giving ketamine without psychological support can reduce depressive symptoms and suicidality within hours.—
O. Rose Broderick,
STAT,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The wild card in this whole scenario is Orson, who the show positions as a lonely, uncool kid who’s been shipped to his mother’s home in the wake of his father’s (and her ex’s) hospitalization back east.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
12 Apr. 2026
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Fantasy Baby Names Inspired by Movies Bastian The young main character of the Neverending Story series, Bastian is a lonely young boy who finds purpose and potential in a magical book.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Somber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somber. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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