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
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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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as in intentness
a mental state free of jesting or trifling
the unexpected soberness of the class clown at the memorial service was startling
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sober
Ken Opalo, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
The death certificate shows that Madsen, who’d reportedly gotten sober in recent months, died less than two months after undergoing coronary angiography, which uses X-rays to look at the heart’s blood vessels, per Mayo Clinic.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 17 July 2025
Similar warnings have come from more sober sources.
—Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
This can muddle the drama in places, although the direction is sharp and sober enough to keep the film contained.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sober
Adjective
The problem for Ruto (and Kenya) is that the economy is faring just well-enough to obviate the need for a sober look at the root causes of the protests and general public disgruntlement.
—Ken Opalo, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
The death certificate shows that Madsen, who’d reportedly gotten sober in recent months, died less than two months after undergoing coronary angiography, which uses X-rays to look at the heart’s blood vessels, per Mayo Clinic.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 17 July 2025
Similar warnings have come from more sober sources.
—Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
This can muddle the drama in places, although the direction is sharp and sober enough to keep the film contained.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sober
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sober
Adjective
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Nashville hot chicken is perhaps this city's most famed dish, but the best of it has more nuance than just straight heat.—
Mackensy Lunsford,
The Tennessean,
26 July 2025
-
When looking at Turner's body, officers saw her left arm was out straight and slightly bent at the elbow with her left hand above her head with a phone next to it, according to the affidavit.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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Big consulting players like Bain & Company use online assessments to evaluate a candidate’s situational awareness, numerical and verbal aptitude, and logical reasoning before a technical interview is even scheduled.—
Julia Korn,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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Cutting ties with him doesn't seem logical at the moment.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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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
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The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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Accessible only by boat, the island features quiet trails, pebble beaches, and one campsite on the north end.—
Katherine Lawless,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Aug. 2025
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At least the Cubs can take heart knowing the 64-44 Brewers, their chief rival in the NL Central, also stayed quiet.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Martin lived an ascetic and solitary life, and often denounced overly cerebral art.—
Melissa Febos,
The Atlantic,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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Made from Pinot Noir grapes, very dry, elegant in both taste and presentation.—
Lana Bortolot,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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Leave compartments unzipped and let the backpack air dry.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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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
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Isolated locations could face a reasonable worst-case scenario of five to seven inches or more, according to the weather service.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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This surge in extreme heat drives up energy demand and poses serious health risks to vulnerable populations.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
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Her passenger, also a Lakota West Student, sustained serious injuries.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sober.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sober. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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