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
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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
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sober
Either way, negotiations will start when both sides are ready to hit at the table — sober.
—
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
So while the sober movement had already been picking up steam over the past decade, these meds might just give it a little extra fizz going forward.
—Allyson Reedy, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
Having to do karaoke sober is actual punishment.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
Bear, who has now been sober for four years, became a parent mentor.
—Raynee Howell, Oklahoma Watch, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sober
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
So while the sober movement had already been picking up steam over the past decade, these meds might just give it a little extra fizz going forward.
—Allyson Reedy, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
Having to do karaoke sober is actual punishment.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
Bear, who has now been sober for four years, became a parent mentor.
—Raynee Howell, Oklahoma Watch, 9 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
-
Whether your companion’s vibe is emotional or logical, try to harmonize with it.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Bruce Meyer, the union’s deputy executive director and lead negotiator, would be the most logical successor.—
Bill Shaikin,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The holy month of Ramadan began today for Muslims, and Ash Wednesday marks the start of the solemn Christian season of Lent.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
18 Feb. 2026
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Later that day, Jackson stood once again on the Lorraine Motel balcony at the National Civil Rights Museum during its annual commemoration, sitting in the front row as nearly 500 people gathered for music, speeches and a solemn wreath‑laying ceremony honoring King’s life.—
Diana Leyva,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
17 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
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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
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Later in life Foucault will become more ascetic, but not yet.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
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During pilgrimages, monks observe a strict ascetic code, often including sleeping under trees and eating one meal per day.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
We’re often barraged with a series of facts, dates and notable events, and the results can be dry as dust.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Feb. 2026
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To help the shrub recover, maintain consistent soil moisture for the rest of the winter by watering during dry periods.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The prosecution detailed nine separate errors made by Plamberger during the climb—from failing to bring bivy gear to failing to abide by a reasonable turnaround time—which collectively suggest a charge of gross negligence.—
Owen Clarke,
Outside,
21 Feb. 2026
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Counties with moratoriums Counties use moratoriums to buy time to write new zoning and regulation for wind and solar farms, sometimes to craft reasonable laws and sometimes to craft bans.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Fajardo-Acosta described him as an extremely serious person who also possessed a good sense of humor, spoke very eloquently and read all the time.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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Lawmaker Jorge Arreaza, who presented the bill, highlighted these carve-outs to ensure the measure does not shield serious offenses.—
Alessandra Freitas,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sober.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sober. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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