as in somber
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
the decrepit mansion had a sepulchral tone that gave everyone a chill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sepulchral
Short and broad with sepulchral eyes, Karrenna wore a bucket hat, polo shirt, shorts, and flip-flops.
—
Sean Williams, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024
For the occasion, the Shed’s Griffin Theater greets guests with an antechamber cast in sepulchral light and hung with wall size images from Sakamoto’s life.
—Max Lakin, New York Times, 25 June 2023
The lighting is sepulchral, the air dank.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2020
Wolverine Blues saw Swedish death-metal pioneers Entombed slowing down and adding a rock and roll swagger to their grisly, sepulchral sound, and in the process realizing some of their most memorable material.
—Hank Shteamer, SPIN, 24 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for sepulchral
Sean Williams, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024
For the occasion, the Shed’s Griffin Theater greets guests with an antechamber cast in sepulchral light and hung with wall size images from Sakamoto’s life.
—Max Lakin, New York Times, 25 June 2023
The lighting is sepulchral, the air dank.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2020
Wolverine Blues saw Swedish death-metal pioneers Entombed slowing down and adding a rock and roll swagger to their grisly, sepulchral sound, and in the process realizing some of their most memorable material.
—Hank Shteamer, SPIN, 24 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for sepulchral
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sepulchral
Adjective
-
High-contrast, stark black-and-white tones, water droplets and a somber expression emerging from shadows.—
Evan J. Schwartz,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
There were no somber emotions this time from Dončić’s side, with Balkan music blasting throughout the practice facility before he and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka held a news conference to celebrate Dončić’s extension.—
Khobi Price,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Many people were concerned about their financial situation, as the overall economic outlook was bleak.—
Rocky Sharma,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
-
Morale among agency staff is bleak, according to one CDC official who spoke on the condition that they not be named for fear of reprisals.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
Saturday's clip also clarified that the blue sections of the costume are a darker shade of the color — and more reflective — than earlier versions.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Sophie's gun — which was an impulse buy just a few days back — is found and identified as the weapon that killed Abby. Sophie's quest to vindicate herself then leads to the unraveling of dark secrets, sketchy relationships, twisted small-town politics and more.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Use of an oxytocin nasal spray combined with psychotherapy may have a greater effect on reducing depressive symptoms in people with mental health disorders than either treatment alone, a recent study reported.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
-
More than 18% of adults in that age group have had a depressive episode, according to a report from the National Institute of Mental Health.—
Maggie Menderski,
The Courier-Journal,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
In Namibia, Shipwreck Lodge in the desolate Skeleton Coast National Park and the secluded Hoanib Valley Camp are oases of luxury in otherworldly settings.—
Erina Pinar,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The Emperor Titus attempted but failed to revive Pompeii and its sibling town Herculaneum soon after the catastrophe, leaving the desolate region largely abandoned until its rediscovery in 1748.—
Andrew Paul Aug 7,
Popular Science,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Hero Ellen Ripley’s (Sigourney Weaver) lonely fight for survival gave way to a military mission to vanquish aliens ravaging a human colony; Cameron filled the frame with cocky Marines, boxy space tanks, and an adorable orphan who finds in Ripley a surrogate mother.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
5 Aug. 2025
-
The movie Marty was based on Chayefsky’s television drama about two lonely people finding love.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Common observances on Good Friday Good Friday is one of the most solemn days in the Christian calendar, observed by millions worldwide during the Easter season.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
-
The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
The fact that the jokes about Joao Felix come so easily is a little depressing.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Ari Aster’s first feature kicked off with the accidental decapitation of a child, and each subsequent film has only gotten more depressing from there.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sepulchral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sepulchral. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share