as in gravity
formal
a very serious quality or manner
The new leader has an air of gravitas that commands respect. a comic actress who lacks the gravitas for dramatic roles
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gravitas
Henriksen plays his part to the hilt here, bringing a gravitas that few actors would consider bringing to the role of a shoot-'em-up movie villain.
—
Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2023
The nativity story is narrated by the Honorable Milton L. Wright, his voice and demeanor a blend of gravitas and compassion.
—Don Aucoin, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Dec. 2022
Singer-songwriter-keyboardist McVie took an important role in its multi-platinum efforts, with her warmth and gravitas balancing the contributions of her younger new bandmates.
—Chris Morris, Variety, 30 Nov. 2022
Tell me about filming that scene and bringing the proper gravitas to a moment like that.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for gravitas
Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2023
The nativity story is narrated by the Honorable Milton L. Wright, his voice and demeanor a blend of gravitas and compassion.
—Don Aucoin, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Dec. 2022
Singer-songwriter-keyboardist McVie took an important role in its multi-platinum efforts, with her warmth and gravitas balancing the contributions of her younger new bandmates.
—Chris Morris, Variety, 30 Nov. 2022
Tell me about filming that scene and bringing the proper gravitas to a moment like that.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for gravitas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gravitas
Noun
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Because Didymos and Dimorphos are so intricately linked together by gravity, changes to one asteroid's orbit is destined to influence the other's, NASA said in a March press release.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
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The probe was delayed from 2022, and headed for the asteroid Psyche, using a Mars-gravity assist and not arriving until August 2029.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Advertisement Reggie Dinkins shares an earnestness with Every Brilliant Thing.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
5 Mar. 2026
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Frank, played with endearing earnestness by Bale, is more of a big softie than a monster.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Her legacy indeed lives on in Definitely Thriving, a book which dares to treat the small canvas of an ordinary woman’s experience with seriousness and respect, all the while maintaining that necessary sense of humor which makes the whole thing—life itself—mostly bearable.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Mar. 2026
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From the beginning, Madeleine approached her training with seriousness and respect for the craft.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Although efforts to stop the measure from appearing on the ballot on April 21 have failed, the state Supreme Court has already said the legal determination of whether the amendment is constitutional will be decided in court after voting has taken place.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Mar. 2026
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The Golden Hawks put their heart and determination on display again Tuesday, coming back from a 14-point, third-quarter deficit to beat Leuzinger, 61-56, in the CIF Southern California Regional Division III championship game at El Dorado High.—
Steve Fryer,
Oc Register,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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March is traditionally the start of planning the spring planting season in the US, which starts in earnest in April.—
Molly Taft,
Wired News,
4 Mar. 2026
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The episode starts in earnest when Myki learns about how the other queens voted.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The solemnity awaiting celebration is truly beautiful.—
James T. Farmer,
Southern Living,
15 Mar. 2026
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The time and attention to detail afforded it by Lord and Miller suggest that the directors are as susceptible as any of us to that amazement, elevated by the moving solemnity and celestial dimensions of Daniel Pemberton’s beautiful score.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Life without that kind of attentiveness?—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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This conviction shaped his attentiveness to Jews facing state oppression.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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One of my major disappointments in a lot of the writing was its humorlessness.—
Diya Chacko,
Oc Register,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gravitas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gravitas. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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