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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in logical
based on sound reasoning or information
a sober assessment of the situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
a sober reply to what was only a teasing comment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in quiet
not excessively showy
if you don't have anything in black, at least wear a sober outfit to the funeral
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 sober
The brand’s Made in Italy production, sober aesthetics and understated elegance as well as its standing as a low-key, independent, family-run business are among the key assets of the brand.
—
Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 23 Feb. 2026
The sober dousing of the Olympic flame was immediately followed by a seat-shaking DJ set from electronic music supergroup Major Lazer, which got much of the arena on their frozen feet.
—Pien Huang, NPR, 22 Feb. 2026
An aspiring actor and screenwriter, he was introduced to drugs and drink as a child by his family, and is now sober.
—Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2026
Instead, the film proceeds in a sober procedural register, tracing the women’s legal fight to clear their names.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sober
Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 23 Feb. 2026
The sober dousing of the Olympic flame was immediately followed by a seat-shaking DJ set from electronic music supergroup Major Lazer, which got much of the arena on their frozen feet.
—Pien Huang, NPR, 22 Feb. 2026
An aspiring actor and screenwriter, he was introduced to drugs and drink as a child by his family, and is now sober.
—Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2026
Instead, the film proceeds in a sober procedural register, tracing the women’s legal fight to clear their names.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sober
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sober
Adjective
-
Wu said the city’s public school system will be closed for a second straight day on Tuesday, and libraries and community centers won’t open until noon.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Because life isn't a straight path.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The fourth statement is a logical extension, suggesting that baking soda might be particularly valuable for, say, climbing mountains or cycling over alpine passes.—
Alex Hutchinson,
Outside,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The logical assumption here would be that a cooperative mode was discussed at some point.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians, who may reflect, fast and attend special church services.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Inside, the line of those who’d come to see Jackson stretched down the center aisle, and mourners walked in to the sound of solemn gospel music and prayer.—
Andrew Carter,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The loafer mule emerged as a quiet breakout this season after a decade-and change of laying dormant, with Bottega Veneta, Victoria Beckham, Calvin Klein, and Celine all incorporating versions of the silhouette on their spring runways.—
Minty Mellon,
Vogue,
23 Feb. 2026
-
More than 100,000 fans descended on more than 800 hobby shops across 25 countries, turning what used to be a quiet Saturday ritual into something closer to a championship parade.—
Andy Scholes,
CNN Money,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Housed in a bulletproof case, the delicate bones reveal the saint’s ascetic life while strict security protects relics from historical theft.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Later in life Foucault will become more ascetic, but not yet.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Wildfires are common during the dry winter season.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Feb. 2026
-
The dry down is even better than the initial spritz, turning into a warm, sensual, floral bouquet sitting next to a bowl of fresh cut strawberries.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That is if the letter writer doesn’t mind allowing them in her backyard for a few weeks while others find more reasonable ways to address this problem.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Feb. 2026
-
As part of the lawsuit, Hartsuch claims Board of Medicine rules require that investigations be conducted and resolved within a reasonable time, and that the board knew or should have known that its delays would prevent Hartsuch from working as an ER physician.—
Clark Kauffman,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The deputy, whose name has not been released, was hospitalized with serious injuries, the sheriff's office said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
-
This was perhaps their most worthy defensive performance of the year against a serious team.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sober.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sober. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
