sobriety

noun

so·​bri·​ety sə-ˈbrī-ə-tē How to pronounce sobriety (audio)
sō-
Synonyms of sobrietynext
: the quality or state of being sober

Examples of sobriety in a Sentence

They did a sobriety test on him. the sobriety of the situation
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.
The buildings will be drug and alcohol free, though sobriety is not a requirement for residents. Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 As a new spooky season starts, Caity juggles a new crush Hannah, the arrival of twins Liam and Sean to work at the haunt, and her father’s tenuous sobriety. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026 Molchanov agreed to undergo three field sobriety tests at the hospital, the warrant affidavit said. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026 In 2020, Stern got Miley Cyrus to address her sobriety in the aftermath of her divorce from Liam Hemsworth. Malina Saval, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sobriety

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sobrete, from Anglo-French sobreté, from Latin sobrietat-, sobrietas, from sobrius

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sobriety was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sobriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sobriety. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

sobriety

noun
so·​bri·​ety sə-ˈbrī-ət-ē How to pronounce sobriety (audio)
: the quality or state of being sober

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