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
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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
Some of this work involves agencies such as the National Reconnaissance Office, placing it within the penumbra of classification.
—
Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
Here's what Hoosiers will be seeing during the event, writes NASA:
11:57 p.m., Penumbral eclipse begins: The moon enters the Earth’s penumbra, the outer part of the shadow.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Although the penumbra phase is interesting, most spectators will begin observing during the partial phase.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The entire process should end by this time as the moon slowly exits the Earth's penumbra.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penumbra
Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
Here's what Hoosiers will be seeing during the event, writes NASA:
11:57 p.m., Penumbral eclipse begins: The moon enters the Earth’s penumbra, the outer part of the shadow.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Although the penumbra phase is interesting, most spectators will begin observing during the partial phase.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The entire process should end by this time as the moon slowly exits the Earth's penumbra.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penumbra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penumbra
Noun
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The other player on the pitch on Sunday who cast as long a shadow was Donnarumma.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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Playoffs have been under the shadow of league star Napheesa Collier speaking with pointed criticism of commissioner Cathy Engelbert in what amounts to a mutiny against the commish, with other players backing Collier.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Atlanta traded her short courthouse dress for an A-line strapless lace gown and floor-length veil for the second celebration in Italy.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
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The veil having been brusquely lifted from his eyes, Blair eventually left the service.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Our Matte Black Metal Candle Warmer Lamp features a modern black shade with a gold-tone accent, adding elegance to any space.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Oct. 2025
-
With metallic outfits and coordinating accessories, including silver hooped earrings, sparkling necklaces, super-cool shades, silver heels, and a beaded purse, Barbie Deluxe’s look is one that reigns supreme.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Some wear kittles, white burial shrouds, to signify repentance, according to History.—
Krys'tal Griffin,
Freep.com,
2 Oct. 2025
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Moraes developed computer models to simulate draping a sheet on both a 3D human form and a bas-relief carving to test which version most closely matched the figure preserved in the shroud.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Passengers get to experience a few minutes of weightlessness and see Earth against the blackness of space.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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Idle outside on a warm summer evening and let the inky blackness envelope you.—
Mark Ellwood,
AFAR Media,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Louise Donegan, my wife, [has] been working on my look for a couple of years, like the cloak thing.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
2 Oct. 2025
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But Lucas, who wore clip-on pointy ears along with his costume of a brown cloak.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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To reduce the risk of mosquito bites and West Nile virus, health officials recommend using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
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As dusk fell, small frogs were found near the mouths of caves as water flowed from their rocky openings, researchers said.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The result is not just uncertainty for viewers, TV executives and show staffs, but a pall over an advertising category that's long been a staple of live TV.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
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But even Waller’s sudden emergence from retirement and injury that could not lift the pall cast by what could be Hill’s long-term absence.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penumbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penumbra. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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