Synonyms of penumbra

penumbra

noun

pə-ˈnəm-brə 

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

• shadow
• shade
• blackness
• dusk
• gloom
• umbra
• dimness
• shadiness
• murkiness
• semidarkness
• obscurity
• gloominess
• duskiness
• cloudiness
• somberness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• light
• brightness
• illumination
• luminosity
• radiance
• brilliance
• incandescence
• luminance
• lucidity
• lightness
• effulgence
• luminousness
• radiancy
• lucidness

2

as in veil

something that covers or conceals like a piece of cloth

a penumbra of despair fell over the doomed city

Synonyms & Similar Words

• veil
• shroud
• cloak
• pall
• blanket
• wraps
• mantle
• curtain
• mask
• robe
• hood
• covering
• cover
• coverture
• cope
• shield
• screen
• blind
• cover-up
• facade
• veneer
• Potemkin village
• fig leaf
• camouflage
• concealer
• gloss
• varnish
• Trojan horse
• face
• disguise

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of penumbra

First, the moon enters the faint outer shadow of the Earth, or the penumbra, where dimming is subtle; this is the penumbral eclipse. — Stefanie Waldek, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Mar. 2026

As the moon moves into Earth’s outer shadow, called the penumbra, the dimming is subtle. — Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 2 Mar. 2026

The Moon moves right to left, passing through the penumbra and umbra, leaving in its wake an eclipse diagram with the times at various stages of the eclipse. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Mar. 2026

During many eclipse seasons, the moon merely skims Earth's penumbra and umbra. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2026