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.
Trump cited the 1983 National League Rookie of the Year’s post-career embrace of his Christian faith and longtime sobriety when pardoning him. Matt Brown, Fortune, 15 Nov. 2025 Now, Lovato — who has been open about her sobriety journey in the past — and Jutes are pillars of strength for one another. Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025 Last month, Jackson shared more about her journey to sobriety while accepting the Shining Star Award at the Friendly House Awards Luncheon. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025 Borrowing from the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, ITAA hosts regular meetings and encourages members to follow the 12 steps outlined by AA to achieve sobriety. Charles Trepany, USA Today, 12 Nov. 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 16 Nov. 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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