sobriety

noun

so·​bri·​ety sə-ˈbrī-ə-tē How to pronounce sobriety (audio)
sō-
: 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.
However, a driver is not legally obligated to submit to a field sobriety test, pre-arrest test or cheek swab at a DUI checkpoint, according to the Law Offices of Grech and Parker in Riverside. Field sobriety tests are subjective and may not accurately measure sobriety, according to Bee archives. Sarah Linn july 18, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2025 However, Jessica is still struggling with her breakup from Zev, while Felix is also battling his own personal issues with sobriety. Caroline Blair, People.com, 18 July 2025 The wrestler went to rehab in August 2022, and is coming up on three years of sobriety. Mekishana Pierre Published, EW.com, 18 July 2025 Right now, my focus needs to be on my sobriety, my mental health, and coparenting relationship. Kate Aurthur, Variety, 16 July 2025 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 22 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

sobriety

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sobriety

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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