1
as in shadow
partial darkness due to the obstruction of light rays
the lunar eclipse began with a subtle darkening of the lunar surface as it passed within the Earth's penumbra
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in veil
something that covers or conceals like a piece of cloth
a penumbra of despair fell over the doomed city
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of penumbra
From Good Friday until Saturday night the whole village was held under the penumbra of the eclipse the Gospel writers claimed had arrived as Christ drew his last breath on the Cross.
—
Lamorna Ash, The Dial, 6 May 2025
So, unlike last year, no place on Earth will see the glorious spectacle of a total eclipse, but instead, the moon's outer shadow (the penumbra) will scrape the top of our globe creating a more modest partial eclipse.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Although the penumbra phase is interesting, most spectators will begin observing during the partial phase.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The entire process should end by this time as the moon slowly exits the Earth's penumbra.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penumbra
Lamorna Ash, The Dial, 6 May 2025
So, unlike last year, no place on Earth will see the glorious spectacle of a total eclipse, but instead, the moon's outer shadow (the penumbra) will scrape the top of our globe creating a more modest partial eclipse.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Although the penumbra phase is interesting, most spectators will begin observing during the partial phase.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The entire process should end by this time as the moon slowly exits the Earth's penumbra.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penumbra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penumbra
Noun
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Captured in the canyons of Arizona, the image reveals how flickering light dances across textured stone, creating fleeting moments of beauty only found in the shadows.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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Cloud shadows caress the sandstone like a mother comforting a sleeping child.—
Roger Naylor,
AZCentral.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The look actually consists of two pieces–an embellished bustier and skirt, featuring another sweetheart neckline and accessorized with a birdcage veil in front and a cathedral length veil in the back.—
Alexandra Macon,
Vogue,
1 Sep. 2025
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Herron was then shown in her gown and veil in front of a large mountain.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
People.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
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An eye-catching fluting detail adds interest to the piece, which comes with a classic white linen lamp shade and is finished with warm gold hardware.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
26 Aug. 2025
-
Unlike a handbag or trunk, make-up is highly personal—success depends not just on branding but on formulas, shades, and wearability.—
Laia Farran Graves,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Moraes developed computer models to simulate draping a sheet on both a 3D human form and a bas-relief carving to test which version most closely matched the figure preserved in the shroud.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
31 Aug. 2025
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Next, unwrap your headless body from its shroud.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Passengers experience a few minutes of weightlessness and get to see Earth against the blackness of space.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
31 July 2025
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Tendrils of a very different blackness slithered over him.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
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Bats don’t just sneak under the cloak of night, evading the human eye.—
Calista Oetama,
Sacbee.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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While other fixers prefer to operate in the shadows and keep as low a profile as possible, Miguel believes his visibility, even his celebrity, acts as a sort of cloak of protection.—
Jesse Hyde,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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People can reduce mosquito bites by avoiding dark clothing, minimizing outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, and eliminating standing water.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
30 Aug. 2025
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Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk Mosquitoes are typically more active at the beginning and end of the day, according to experts.—
Cailey Gleeson,
jsonline.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The deal, pending the approval of Major League Baseball, capped a 10-month sale process that had cast a pall over the franchise and had already been marred by billionaire Justin Ishbia abandoning his pursuit of the Twins to instead buy eventual control of the White Sox.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
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But the threat of being attacked publicly by Trump, with midterms one year away, has cast a pall over most Republicans who may have once been inclined to rein in executive powers — and have now seen enthusiastic Trump supporters oust a growing cast of moderate former colleagues.—
Allan Smith,
NBC news,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penumbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penumbra. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
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