sepulchral

adjective

se·​pul·​chral sə-ˈpəl-krəl 

also -ˈpu̇l-

1

: of or relating to a sepulchre

sepulchral inscriptions

2

: suited to or suggestive of a sepulchre : funereal

spoke in sepulchral whispers

sepulchrally

sə-ˈpəl-krə-lē 

also -ˈpu̇l-

adverb

Synonyms of sepulchral

• somber
• bleak
• dark
• solemn
• depressive
• lonely
• desolate
• depressing
• morbid
• darkening
• funereal
• murky
• gray
• lonesome
• cold

Examples of sepulchral in a Sentence

the decrepit mansion had a sepulchral tone that gave everyone a chill

Recent Examples on the Web

While restoration may be a moribund art, the atmosphere at the NFDA showcase was anything but sepulchral. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026

The spa is an almost sepulchral space, where therapists waft around barefoot in taupe dresses. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

One of the few women working in that era, she was known for austere and unsettling portraits in sepulchral spaces. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 May 2025

The Dead Man seems very aware of that fact and has cultivated a sepulchral image for decades and now he's revealed that his aura of intimidation extended to all of his WWE opponents. — Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sepulchral

adjective

se·​pul·​chral sə-ˈpəl-krəl 

1

: of or relating to the burial of the dead

2

: dismal sense 1, gloomy