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
There's a large fuzzy outer shadow, called the penumbra, and a much smaller, darker central shadow, the umbra.
—
Jamie Carter, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2025
The eclipse begins with the penumbral phase, when the moon enters Earth's outer shadow, called the penumbra.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
The entire moon is still in the penumbra, and the brightness has not entirely returned.
—Jeremy Tanner, The Hill, 8 Mar. 2025
The entire eclipse spans 366 minutes (just over six hours), from the moon entering Earth’s penumbra to leaving it.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penumbra
Jamie Carter, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2025
The eclipse begins with the penumbral phase, when the moon enters Earth's outer shadow, called the penumbra.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
The entire moon is still in the penumbra, and the brightness has not entirely returned.
—Jeremy Tanner, The Hill, 8 Mar. 2025
The entire eclipse spans 366 minutes (just over six hours), from the moon entering Earth’s penumbra to leaving it.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penumbra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penumbra
Noun
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The shadow of the current assault on public lands weighs heavy while reading this lovely book.—
Melina Sempill Watts,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
-
Tokyo’s hospitality scene is as diverse as the city itself, a place of dizzying contrasts where ancient temples sit in the shadow of gleaming skyscrapers, and traditional craftsmanship juxtaposes cutting-edge technology.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
Though Smart was forced to wear a veil over her face, the couple recognized Mitchell from a composite sketch shared on America’s Most Wanted.—
Stephanie Kaloi,
People.com,
5 June 2025
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The unique gel texture sets into a lightweight veil that feels comfortable and stays put, so there’s no pillow staining or sticky residue.—
Marie Lodi,
Allure,
2 June 2025
Noun
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The Nosferatu actor, 35, shocked fans by ditching his signature dark brown hair for a brighter, much bolder shade.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
26 June 2025
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Dressing to the season is one idea: Linen does well at summertime events, autumnal shades and layers thrive in fall, velvets can warm up winter’s frosty chill, and floral prints in pastel colors emphasize spring’s budding blossoms.—
Catie Pusateri,
Glamour,
26 June 2025
Noun
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Later, before the funeral, the child's father, Mahmoud, kisses his son’s feet, the white shroud stained with bright-red blood.—
Chantal Da Silva,
NBC news,
21 May 2025
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Once in space, the rocket releases the payload shroud, usually in two halves.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
16 May 2025
Noun
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Its flights last 10 to 12 minutes from liftoff to capsule touchdown; passengers get to experience a few minutes of weightlessness and see Earth against the blackness of space.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
20 June 2025
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The scene of Stan’s eruption mirrors the film’s opening—when, out of blackness, a nothingness, the face of a boy emerges, his eyes sunk in fear.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
14 June 2025
Noun
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Set in the year 3333 on a desolate alien world, players take on the role of the Swordsman, a somewhat blank slate character with minimalist features clad in a tattered cloak.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
24 June 2025
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The series also serves as the MCU’s introduction of spectral magic meeting tech via the villainous character The Hood (Anthony Ramos), a low-level criminal who stumbles upon a magical cloak powered by the same forces depicted in Doctor Strange.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
23 June 2025
Noun
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Photo : Open Homes Photography Warm lighting trails the loggia walkways at dusk.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
20 June 2025
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Anshun bridge reflecting in the Jinjiang river at dusk in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.—
Amala Balakrishner,
CNBC,
19 June 2025
Noun
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Federal agents’ June 6 raid at Ambiance Apparel, in which dozens of people were detained, has cast a pall over the historical Fashion District in downtown L.A. About a half-dozen business owners or their employees told The Times that their sales had dropped by about 50% in the last week.—
Kaitlyn Huamani,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2025
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The killings cast a pall on the graduation ceremonies at the University of Maryland, College Park on Thursday, according to Ari Israel, executive director of Maryland Hillel, a Jewish organization at the school.—
Todd Karpovich,
Baltimore Sun,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penumbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penumbra. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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