1
as in intentness
a mental state free of jesting or trifling
the coronation ceremony requires absolute solemnity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
the solemnities of the Easter vigil service
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of solemnity
His boorish behavior was condemned by others silently and did not affect the solemnity of the ceremony.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2025
The dramatic ritual was more colorful than even Hollywood could create, a wash of colors, chants, incense and solemnity that underscored the seriousness of the moment.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025
American flags will be lowered across the country to fly at half-staff to reflect the solemnity of Memorial Day on Monday morning.
—Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
Understandably, the event at the center had a religious solemnity to it.
—Nicholas Lalla, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solemnity
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2025
The dramatic ritual was more colorful than even Hollywood could create, a wash of colors, chants, incense and solemnity that underscored the seriousness of the moment.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025
American flags will be lowered across the country to fly at half-staff to reflect the solemnity of Memorial Day on Monday morning.
—Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
Understandably, the event at the center had a religious solemnity to it.
—Nicholas Lalla, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solemnity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemnity
Noun
-
Even if the majority of their fans have given up on this quest, and moved on to the ritual of worshipping all things football, there is an unofficial magic number that if the Rangers reach would nearly guarantee a partial salvage of this season.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Aug. 2025
-
Guests can expect personalized guiding and wellness rituals inspired by the surrounding landscape.—
Nicole Trilivas,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Open star clusters typically reside in the dense spiral arms of the Milky Way, where the gravity of passing stars can tug at their outermost members, pulling them apart over the course of millions of years.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In addition, Masimo also noted that this reversal comes after Apple committed an additional $100 billion in US investment for a total of $600 billion, in a ceremony where Apple CEO Tim Cook presented Trump with an engraved glass disk mounted on a 24K-gold base.—
Julian Chokkattu,
Wired News,
23 Aug. 2025
-
The Club World Cup final culminated in a ceremony in which Trump presented Premier League team Chelsea with the trophy.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Government offices will be closed in observance of the holiday, including Secretary of State offices, the U.S. Post Office (FedEX's delivery services as well), courthouses and banks.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
21 Aug. 2025
-
One traditional observance is the Stations of the Cross, a devotion that follows 14 moments along Jesus’s path to Calvary, accompanied by prayers and quiet reflection.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
In addition to Ducasse’s culinary mastery, offering a cohesive experience that encompasses the liveried staff in period costumes and the ceremonial is part and parcel of the success of the banquet, according to Révah.—
Lily Templeton,
WWD,
20 Feb. 2025
-
For those who missed the game, most of the Chiefs’ scores came in garbage time; the lopsided affair was 24-0 at halftime, and the Eagles’ first score was a ceremonial Jalen Hurts Tush Push.—
Jess Bryant,
The Athletic,
10 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Solemnity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnity. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share