sobering

adjective

so·​ber·​ing ˈsō-b(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce sobering (audio)
: tending to make one thoughtful or sober

Examples of sobering in a Sentence

His death is a sobering reminder of the dangers of mountaineering.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But perhaps, with the playoffs arriving and the Bears set to be back at home for a playoff game next weekend, Sunday’s performance will be a sobering wake-up call, a reminder of how much precision is required to survive from this point on. The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026 However, much like the Iraq War, a president’s early confidence after a dramatic military action can sometimes meet more sobering realities that drain domestic political support. Steven Sloan, Fortune, 4 Jan. 2026 Despite the sobering findings, there is still room for cautious optimism. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026 Soon after beginning their college experience at Georgia Tech this fall, computer science majors were greeted with a sobering presentation. Jason Armesto, AJC.com, 1 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sobering

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sobering was in 1816

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Cite this Entry

“Sobering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sobering. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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