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
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
The 66-year-old Showalter brought a sense of stability and gravitas to a franchise that had been saddled with on- and off-the-field issues over the past several seasons.
—David Brandt, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Nov. 2022
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
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
Chris Morris, Variety, 30 Nov. 2022
The 66-year-old Showalter brought a sense of stability and gravitas to a franchise that had been saddled with on- and off-the-field issues over the past several seasons.
—David Brandt, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Nov. 2022
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
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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Sunday wraps up with the first day of the 2025 MLB Draft, the leg of the weekend with actual gravity.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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Despite the gravity of the moment, the conversation ended with a charge grounded in legacy.—
Oumou Fofana,
Essence,
8 July 2025
Noun
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The network of community leaders and officials all questioned the administration’s determination that Haiti is now safe enough for people to return.—
Churchill Ndonwie,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2025
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The increasingly obvious awfulness of Dave’s book gives Smollett some great reaction work amid all Michelle’s pained determination.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
28 June 2025
Noun
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The rise of football in Saudi Arabia is another matter entirely, driven by the investment that started in earnest with Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr two and a half years ago.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
3 July 2025
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The contract can’t be made official until the start of the new league year when free agency starts in earnest on Wednesday at 4 p.m. Brown has a background with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero as well as new outside linebackers coach A.C. Carter.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Churches may also hold special services, dim the lights, and muffle bells to reflect the day’s solemnity.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
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Advertisement That shift in tone, from early seasons that moved fluidly between humor and wonder and angst to the relentless solemnity of the past two, has been particularly frustrating with regard to our hero.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
26 June 2025
Noun
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Any signs that Ukraine’s backers are losing their resolve will only encourage Moscow to stick to that course, a task made easier by the support of Russia’s allies, the absence of material internal dissent, and the low level of importance that the Kremlin attaches to its own soldiers’ deaths.—
The Editors,
National Review,
11 July 2025
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Naval presence operations are designed to shape the perceptions and behavior of potential adversaries, said Emma Salisbury, a researcher at the Council on Geostrategy in the U.K., by helping to deter aggression and demonstrate resolve without resorting to conflict.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gravitas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gravitas. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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