sobriety

noun

so·​bri·​ety sə-ˈbrī-ə-tē 

sō-

: the quality or state of being sober

Synonyms of sobriety

• intentness
• gravity
• earnestness
• soberness
• earnest

Examples of sobriety in a Sentence

They did a sobriety test on him.

the sobriety of the situation

Recent Examples on the Web

The latter—which perhaps pulls inspiration from the early addiction recovery phrase used to describe the honeymoon period of sobriety—details taking ownership of letting a romantic partner down. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026

Now, Campbell is celebrating 26 years of sobriety and shared her story Thursday morning at the Meridian Anti-Drug Coalition’s 21st annual recovery day breakfast at Meridian City Hall, in honor of National Recovery Month. — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2026

During the same period, in what would have broken Combs’ sobriety streak, officials reportedly caught Combs with a homemade concoction of fermenting apples, Fanta, and sugar. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

For the next two years, Bass must remain sober and will be subject to search, seizure and testing to ensure compliance with the court’s sobriety condition. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for sobriety

• gaiety
• piety
• antianxiety
• intersociety
• anxiety
• impiety
• propriety
• satiety
• society
• variety
• contrariety
• impropriety

Kids Definition

sobriety

noun

so·​bri·​ety sə-ˈbrī-ət-ē 

: the quality or state of being sober