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
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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
For now, we’re held in the sweet penumbra of heaviness.
—
James Parker, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025
During a partial solar eclipse, the umbra misses Earth, with only the penumbra — the moon's outer, fuzzier and lighter shadow — striking Earth.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
The umbra is a darker inner shadow and the penumbra is a fainter outer shadow, according to NASA.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
The umbra is a darker inner shadow and the penumbra is a fainter outer shadow, according to NASA.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penumbra
James Parker, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025
During a partial solar eclipse, the umbra misses Earth, with only the penumbra — the moon's outer, fuzzier and lighter shadow — striking Earth.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
The umbra is a darker inner shadow and the penumbra is a fainter outer shadow, according to NASA.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
The umbra is a darker inner shadow and the penumbra is a fainter outer shadow, according to NASA.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penumbra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penumbra
Noun
-
They got married at the golden hour and stayed until late to shoot photos, their shadows beneath a stream of stars.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Reporter, author and anthropologist Brian Goldstone has spent years embedded with families in this shadow realm of homelessness.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Alongside Markle’s Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy gown and her 16-foot veil was the Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau Tiara.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
3 Mar. 2026
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Google has lifted the veil of secrecy that shrouded a controversial proposal to build a massive data center in the rural southwest corner of this city.—
Peter Passi,
Twin Cities,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In addition, the Pakistan mulberry is great for creating shade for companion plants.—
Emily Hayes,
Martha Stewart,
3 Mar. 2026
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The jaunt up the road to the village can be a steep one, so stick to the shade or hitch a ride from a friendly local in one of the handful of cars on the island.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Mamdani emerged from this shroud of mystery triumphant, posting a photograph on X of himself, firmly straight-faced, standing alongside the grinning President.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Wrapped in a biodegradable shroud of silk or wool, the body is placed in a pressurized chamber where a blend of hot water and chemicals accelerates natural decomposition.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The film's opening two minutes play out in complete blackness, a picture-less overture showcasing legendary James Bond composer John Barry's majestic score.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
8 Feb. 2026
-
With the streets in pitch blackness, some neighbors said their cameras don't capture much more than the immediate surroundings of their home.—
Clara Migoya,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In the years after the monarchy was overthrown, the government required women to wear dark, long, baggy cloaks with socks and sensible shoes.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Got to walk around the highlands in a red cloak.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
What's more, the space is now open from dawn to dusk rather than 24/7, and all animals must be kept on a leash.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
3 Mar. 2026
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Around dusk, the two climbers attached mechanical ascenders to it and, hanging upside down like tree sloths, made the long, slow traverse to my platform.—
Robert Moor,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But its fight with the Pentagon now casts a pall over that prospect.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
28 Feb. 2026
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Undermining that rosy image, though, was the Hitler Haus, the Hitler birthplace near the medieval town center, which cast a pall over the community.—
Cary Lowe,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Penumbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penumbra. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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