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Definition of sober
soberer
play \ˈsō-bər-ər\;soberest
play \ˈsō-b(ə-)rəst\1a : sparing in the use of food and drink : abstemiousb : not addicted to intoxicating drinkc : not drunk
2 : marked by sedate or gravely or earnestly thoughtful character or demeanor
4 : marked by temperance, moderation, or seriousness a sober candlelight vigil
5 : subdued in tone or color
6 : showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice
soberness
nounIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of sober in a Sentence
I'm driving, so I have to stay sober tonight.
He is a sober, hardworking farmer.
The story is a sober look at drug abuse.
Illness is a sober reminder of our mortality.
The article is a sober reflection on the state of our nation.
Recent Examples of sober from the Web
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Fact-checking, in the sober light of day, comes courtesy of a reliable source: a book.
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Enjoy our North Texas lakes, be safe and stay sober.
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The first store opened just outside one of the entrances to LSU in 1996, and Cane’s has been pleasing diners drunk and sober ever since.
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That’s why law enforcement officials are particularly adamant to get the message out to drivers to stay sober, whether driving to a local cookout or going on a road trip to celebrate Independence Day.
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As Hoosiers gather this holiday weekend, the Indiana State Police is telling drivers to stay sober or expect to get arrested.
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This stuff is not easy sober — time to start boozing.
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The sober realization: Maybe, just maybe, this could’ve been us.
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Rustin Dodd The Kansas City Star Road rage killing Neighbors of John C. Young, charged with second-degree murder in a road rage killing last month, described the man as a sober family man who helped set up July Fourth fireworks.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sober'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of sober
Middle English sobre, from Anglo-French, from Latin sobrius; akin to Latin ebrius drunk
Synonym Discussion of sober
Other Drug/Tobacco Terms
controlled, flake, herb, key, sodden
sober
Definition of sober
sobered
;sobering
play \ˈsō-b(ə-)riŋ\transitive verb
: to make sober
intransitive verb
: to become sober —usually used with up
Examples of sober in a Sentence
He returned home from the war, saddened and sobered by his experiences.
Recent Examples of sober from the Web
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The stat is sobering and telling of a company in transition.
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The headlines are sobering: More than 1 billion Yahoo accounts compromised.
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The lush green landscapes with their meandering stone walls are sobering monuments to the value of our country's law.
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After three rounds of bombs-away frivolity, Erin Hills sobered up.
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But one area of the house is sobering for those dispensing mean-girl slights.
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That day, my dad sobered up and never had a drink the rest of his life.
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The first look at costs for a better stormwater management infrastructure is sobering.
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Alabama was so dominant in a 21-0 victory that the LSU half of the Superdome sobered up by halftime.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sober'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of sober
14th century
Other Drug/Tobacco Terms
controlled, flake, herb, key, sodden
SOBER Defined for English Language Learners
sober
playDefinition of sober for English Language Learners
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: not drunk
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: having or showing a very serious attitude or quality
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: plain in color
sober
Definition of sober for English Language Learners
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: to make (someone) serious or thoughtful
SOBER Defined for Kids
Definition of sober for Students
soberer
;soberest
Definition of sober for Students
sobered
;sobering
1 : to make or become less drunk
2 : to make or become serious or thoughtful The news sobered us.
Learn More about sober
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See words that rhyme with sober Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sober Spanish Central: Translation of sober Nglish: Translation of sober for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sober for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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