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Synonym Chooser

How is the word sober different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sober are earnest, grave, sedate, serious, solemn, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When might earnest be a better fit than sober?

The synonyms earnest and sober are sometimes interchangeable, but earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

When can grave be used instead of sober?

The meanings of grave and sober largely overlap; however, grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.

read the proclamation in a grave voice

When could sedate be used to replace sober?

The words sedate and sober can be used in similar contexts, but sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

When would serious be a good substitute for sober?

In some situations, the words serious and sober are roughly equivalent. However, serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

Where would solemn be a reasonable alternative to sober?

While the synonyms solemn and sober are close in meaning, solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

In what contexts can staid take the place of sober?

Although the words staid and sober have much in common, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.

a quiet and staid community

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 sober Game and Fish offers these tips for staying safe on the water, not only what promises to be a busy long holiday weekend but throughout the boating season: Boat sober: Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Brad Dokken, Twin Cities, 3 July 2025 Both of the April 3 event's headliners — Lady A singer Charles Kelley, who got sober in 2022, and popular singer/songwriter ERNEST — dropped out last minute with health issues. The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 My mother spoke of my grandmother’s sober beauty, plain and simple but nevertheless an inspiration to my grandfather. Jhumpa Lahiri, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 In order to get and keep patients that could bill the state's Medicaid system, the owners allegedly paid kickbacks and bribes to the owners of sober homes. Ryan Lucas, NPR, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sober
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sober
Adjective
  • Schoolcraft is the ninth straight high-schooler selected by the Padres with their first pick in a draft.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • In 2018, Boyd reached nine wins on Sept. 2 by beating the Yankees but took three straight no-decisions and lost his final start.
    Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Goldman: The Winnipeg Jets and Wild are logical picks here, although neither team really improved this summer.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • There is no logical reason why you should not be entitled to retroactive benefit payments.
    Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • The eventual confirmation of his passing, delivered by solemn White House and medical officials, triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, even from those who had been his staunchest opponents.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Sure, Texas has plenty of sleepy towns, dusty ranchland and quiet downtowns that rarely see a crowd.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
  • The couple was murdered that same day On a sunbaked afternoon in the quiet hills of Encino, a nightmare unfolded behind the white stucco walls of a music-world power couple’s upscale home.
    Danielle Bacher, People.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Quarantine by Jim Crace This 1997 novel follows Jesus during his 40-day ascetic retreat to a desert cave.
    Mia Barzilay Freund, Vogue, 7 July 2025
  • Martin lived an ascetic and solitary life, and often denounced overly cerebral art.
    Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Her candidness, dry humor and emotional honesty resonated with thousands — some fellow transplant recipients, others simply inspired by her resilience.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • This style from Outdoor Ventures is water- and wind-proof to keep you dry and warm during rainy days.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Invoking Section 15 of Article 17, the NFL wants Droney to order payment of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs—about $12 million.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • This projection appears reasonable considering that the current effective tariff rate of the U.S. has increased five-fold this year to roughly 16% according to the Yale Budget Lab.
    Nick Sargen, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • And finally, a tree with serious diseases or pests that might infect the rest of the neighborhood should be removed as soon as possible.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
  • The restaurant was temporarily closed by the city for multiple serious health violations, including a malfunctioning refrigerator and freezer, mold growth and food buildup on kitchen equipment.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sober.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sober. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sober

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