solemnity

noun

so·lem·ni·ty | \sə-ˈlem-nə-tē

plural solemnities

Definition of solemnity

1 : formal or ceremonious observance of an occasion or event

2 : a solemn event or occasion

3 : a solemn condition or quality the solemnity of his words

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about solemnity

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Examples of solemnity in a Sentence

the solemnity of the occasion Her voice conveyed the solemnity of the passage. The visiting statesman was welcomed with appropriate solemnity. Elaborate solemnities marked the 100th anniversary of the event.

Recent Examples on the Web

Moments of solemnity punctuated the otherwise loud and festive gathering as several speakers referred to the deadly shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, which had happened only hours before. — Jennifer Barrios, Washington Post, "With Democratic nominee still undecided, Montgomery unity party has uncertain air," 29 June 2018 The band wedded uplift with emotion, solemnity and politics. — John Adamian, courant.com, "From Sam Hunt And Reba To U2 And King X: A Week Of Big-Name Concerts," 23 June 2018 The 7 to 2 decision written by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. was careful not to cast constitutional doubt on restrictions every state imposes to protect the solemnity of the voting booth. — Robert Barnes, BostonGlobe.com, "Supreme Court says Minnesota ban on political apparel in polling places too broad," 15 June 2018 At historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, the site of the first Decoration Day ceremony in Philadelphia 150 years ago, Civil War reenactors gathered Sunday under a gray sky fitting the solemnity of the occasion. — Diane Mastrull, Philly.com, "Reenactors honor Civil War dead and all others lost in battle," 27 May 2018 Meg Murry is a smart, hurt and very real-seeming middle school student played with wonderful solemnity by Storm Reid. — A. O. Scott, New York Times, "Review: ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ Gives a Child of the Universe Powerful Friends," 7 Mar. 2018 But even being 1,595 miles from Washington, solemnity is inescapable to this group of people who experienced the deadliest massacre in modern Texas history at their place of worship. — Silvia Foster-frau, San Antonio Express-News, "Sutherland Springs residents attend National Day of Prayer," 3 May 2018 There’s a time and a place for solemnity, but there’s also something really beautiful and sacred-feeling about joy and playfulness. — Morgan Enos, Billboard, "Okkervil River on Autobiographical Song 'Famous Tracheotomies': 'There's Certainly a Gratitude for Being Alive'," 16 Apr. 2018 The Hub’s newest crop of crime fighters announced their arrival amid pomp and solemnity Friday, taking their annual run from the Boston Police Academy in Hyde Park to department headquarters in Roxbury. — Travis Andersen, BostonGlobe.com, "Boston police recruits make annual run through city," 6 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'solemnity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.