1
as in intentness
a mental state free of jesting or trifling
an abrupt sobriety fell over the group when they heard the news
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in temperance
voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites
although she can afford to wear anything, she practices a sartorial sobriety that bespeaks class and taste
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sobriety
Roughly 100 people work at the northeast Wisconsin and Milwaukee locations each year, building sobriety and stable employment records free of the many obstacles found in typical workplaces.
—
Miranda Dunlap, jsonline.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Among the frenzy of videos promoting healthier diets, marathon running, and sobriety, one trend catching on with young people—ironically on social media—is the idea of a digital detox, taking time away from our phone’s most addictive apps to improve everything from sleep to focus.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
His work frequently references his troubled past and his journey towards sobriety.
—Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026
Long-term sobriety requires staying in a posture of surrender.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sobriety
Miranda Dunlap, jsonline.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Among the frenzy of videos promoting healthier diets, marathon running, and sobriety, one trend catching on with young people—ironically on social media—is the idea of a digital detox, taking time away from our phone’s most addictive apps to improve everything from sleep to focus.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
His work frequently references his troubled past and his journey towards sobriety.
—Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026
Long-term sobriety requires staying in a posture of surrender.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sobriety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sobriety
Noun
-
In the case of Steve Jobs, his incredible strength in transcendence tips into excess because it is not supported by other dimensions of character, such as patience, calm, and self-regulation that come from temperance, and the humility and humanity to see other points of view.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
On a single day in 1900, a former schoolteacher destroyed three saloons using bricks, rocks, and a billiard ball—all to advance the cause of temperance.—
The Atlantic Science Desk,
The Atlantic,
27 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The venue change made for a tidy metaphor, but this was a shift in gravity.—
Dana Harris-Bridson,
IndieWire,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Defying gravity, The Rookie Season 8 premiere was up from last season’s premiere in MP+3 viewership, ranking as the show’s biggest premiere on streaming and among Top 5 ABC premieres of all time.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The earnestness transferred into the character and lifted it.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Critically blasted but massively popular with audiences, this dream project is the height of kitsch, somehow made palatable by Richard’s characteristic earnestness.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Because of the way the director works, emotions tend to be more discussed than felt, although there’s something about Carla’s desperation that pierces through all the soberness.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The guard's Basij force likely was key in putting down the demonstrations, starting in earnest from Jan. 8, when authorities cut off the internet and international telephone calls for the nation of 85 million people.—
SAM McNEIL AND JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
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The film fully wears its heart on its sleeve, telling an earnest (if familiar) story of love and commitment through hardship.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sobriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sobriety. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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