solemnity

noun

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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 With subtlety and a solemnity reflecting key events in Claire’s past, Evans offers a powerful refusal of the false equivalence. — Washington Post, "The Office of Historical Corrections," 15 Jan. 2021 Graham, a South Carolina Republican and one of Trump’s biggest Capitol Hill allies, tore into the idea of having Chansley back on the Senate floor for impeachment, arguing that doing so would obliterate the solemnity of the proceedings. — Zachary Halaschak, Washington Examiner, "Graham says ‘QAnon shaman’ testifying against Trump would make impeachment trial a 'circus'," 30 Jan. 2021 Presidential traditions are usually known for their solemnity and carry the weight of future historical significance. — Will Weissert, Star Tribune, "'Rooting hard for you': Will departure notes end with Trump?," 18 Jan. 2021 Inspired by the Bunker Hill Monument’s 221-foot-tall obelisk, the city of Boston built the high school that once served Charlestown out of blocks of granite, giving the four-story building an air of solemnity that persists. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, "Home of the Week: To think Charlestown students got to look at this architecture every day," 17 Jan. 2021 The Engel family imagined a funeral that would bring together friends and family and honor the rear admiral’s distinguished military career with all the pomp and solemnity that comes with a burial at Arlington Cemetery. — Washington Post, "Funeral homes adapted to the pandemic. The changes made grieving harder.," 9 Dec. 2020 Yet a Certain solemnity will pervade the ceremonies to be conducted on the Fifth street side before the great mercantile establishment’s doors are thrown open at 8:55 and San Diego is invited to enter and see, and marvel. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Walker’s Department Store opened on Broadway 85 years ago," 2 Oct. 2020 Initial solemnity yields to more hopeful music — or at least happier memories. — Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, "A most enjoyable Dallas Symphony concert," 25 Sep. 2020 Still, the solemnity of the vitrines suggests a more complicated story, framing the mushrooms as art or sacred relics — or, in this high-design environment, luxury merchandise. — Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, "Mushrooms, the Last Survivors," 18 Sep. 2020

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.

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