as in somber
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
the men awaiting interrogation by the police shared a saturnine silence
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Recent Examples of saturnine
The mood is too saturnine, the occasional nods to social criticism too stilted.
—
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2022
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for saturnine
Adjective
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These early, somber moments cast a mood, but the film is eager to hold Polly’s feet to some fire.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
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The primary hue associated with passion and confidence is the instant energy boost your wardrobe needs—especially during the fall and winter, when the somber mood outside often gets expressed in neutrals-heavy style.—
Andrea Zendejas,
Vogue,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Among American kids, over half who experienced a major depressive episode in the past year didn’t receive treatment.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
9 Oct. 2025
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According to Agnifilo, three medical experts have diagnosed Combs with post-traumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, things are looking bleak for John Cena’s Chris Smith.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
10 Oct. 2025
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But while these models are enthrall Environmental activist Jane Goodall, who died Wednesday at the age of 91, understood the bleak projections from climate scientists — and the economic and political structures that hinder change.—
Esther Zuckerman,
Time,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Kennedy sought the advice of doctors after dealing with severe memory loss and brain fog, reportedly leading to a scan of his brain that showed a dark spot in the imagery.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
15 Oct. 2025
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Instantly, her apartment faded away, to be replaced by a dark void.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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As gaming becomes a more mainstream activity, however, these stereotypes grow more archaic, and a new study from the Entertainment Software Association suggests that the universal image of a gamer as a lonely young male is not just outdated, but inaccurate.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
8 Oct. 2025
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His lonely white panel cap, the lucky charm the Jays wore for four-straight victories, sat alone on a cushioned chair.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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As a result, his work is equal parts depressing and invigorating.—
Walt Hunter,
The Atlantic,
9 Oct. 2025
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This also doesn’t imply the book is depressing or a tear-jerker—quite the opposite.—
Diana Arterian,
Literary Hub,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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To find the killer, Sherlock Holmes and Watson will have to brave desolate moors before a family curse dooms the newest heirs.—
Meredith G. White,
AZCentral.com,
1 Oct. 2025
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With its primary tenant away, the pro stadium here in central Japan was desolate outside.—
Brad Lefton,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Some will make the list due to sheer star power, while others are more about circumstances or just morbid curiosity.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
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In reality, Ed's burial site became a morbid tourist attraction.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Saturnine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saturnine. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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