1
as in straight
not having one's mind affected by alcohol
it's important to stay sober if you're going to be driving a car
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2
as in logical
based on sound reasoning or information
a sober assessment of the situation
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3
as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
a sober reply to what was only a teasing comment
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4
as in quiet
not excessively showy
if you don't have anything in black, at least wear a sober outfit to the funeral
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5
as in ascetic
given to or marked by restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites
cruise passengers of sober dispositions will be put off by the focus on nonstop dining
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sober
Here was a sober, stately Best Picture winner whose hummingbird pulse felt stylish and modern.
—
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025
The 27-year-old said he’s been sober just over two years and met O’Connor while a participant at the Pathway to Sobriety program at The Center, a Palos Park’s religious nonprofit organization.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025
Just don’t forget: Saturn’s here to keep you sober.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Apr. 2025
What does Sly – 82 now, and sober as of several years ago – think of the film?
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sober
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025
The 27-year-old said he’s been sober just over two years and met O’Connor while a participant at the Pathway to Sobriety program at The Center, a Palos Park’s religious nonprofit organization.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025
Just don’t forget: Saturn’s here to keep you sober.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Apr. 2025
What does Sly – 82 now, and sober as of several years ago – think of the film?
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sober
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sober
Adjective
-
Sunderland’s squad had revived itself from a run of five straight defeats to withstand the majority of what their opponents had to throw their way in the opening leg.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
-
The race track in Wilkes County is set to host all-star weekend for the third straight year, showcasing the current stars of the Cup Series at the historic venue that hosted its first NASCAR race in 1947.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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As a result, that has been seen as the most logical landing spot all along.—
Troy Finnegan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
-
Returning samples of the Martian surface to Earth for study is the logical next step in these efforts.—
Bruce Jakosky,
Space.com,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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Far from solemn, the atmosphere has turned into a party of thousands.—
Katie Primm,
NBC news,
9 May 2025
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Over the decades, observance of V-E Day in the West has assumed a more muted, solemn tone.—
Noah Rothman,
National Review,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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The saw-whets, perhaps intimidated by the larger owl, had gone quiet.—
Brad Dokken,
Twin Cities,
10 May 2025
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It’s been infinitesimally rare, even in his quietest performances, that Jokic has ever actively brought down his team’s chances of winning.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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This is especially clear in the contrast between Marcus Luria and his father, the ascetic sage Zalia Ziskind.—
Adam Kirsch,
The New Yorker,
21 Mar. 2025
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While Mathu is an ascetic loner, Malby was a hedonistic womanizer.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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This higher elevation, combined with low to moderate levels of rainfall, temperature, and dry weather, all come together to form a pretty ideal environment for growing wine grapes.—
Amanda Ogle,
Travel + Leisure,
18 May 2025
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While much of Sunday will remain dry, scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop from 2-6 p.m., mainly across eastern Kansas before pushing into western Missouri.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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The Supreme Court sent the case back to the lower court to reconsider whether the shooting was reasonable under the lengthier timeframe that must be considered.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
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There is a very reasonable bet that something like this happens.—
Sam Vecenie,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Increasingly, however, the interviews that are the bedrock of film coverage are fewer, shorter and more lightweight, often to the point of being useless for anyone trying to write a serious piece.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 2025
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With limited flexibility and few valuable trade assets, Milwaukee faces serious hurdles in building a contender around Antetokounmpo.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sober.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sober. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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