1
as in imposing
having or showing a formal and serious or reserved manner
the director of the funeral home has a fittingly solemn demeanor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in serious
not joking or playful in mood or manner
solemn as a judge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in somber
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
the Capitol's rotunda was draped in solemn decorations of a state funeral
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of solemn
Most focus on the soldiers’ faces, their uniforms, and the solemn gaze directed toward the Wall of Names.
—
Gary MacNamara,
Hartford Courant,
22 June 2026
The once-rising developer’s solemn promise is not likely to be fulfilled if court records in his federal criminal case and a parallel Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit are any indication.
—
Jay Weaver
june 6,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2026
Opponents argue the arch would obstruct the historic sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House, disrupt a solemn military landscape, and require congressional authorization because it would be built on federal land.
—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
27 May 2026
This solemn rite is a common sight in the rural South, so the locals extended a little grace to the mourning mass, creating a midday traffic jam on the town’s Main Street.
—
Theodore R. Johnson,
Washington Post,
27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for solemn
Gary MacNamara,
Hartford Courant,
22 June 2026
The once-rising developer’s solemn promise is not likely to be fulfilled if court records in his federal criminal case and a parallel Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit are any indication.
—
Jay Weaver
june 6,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2026
Opponents argue the arch would obstruct the historic sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House, disrupt a solemn military landscape, and require congressional authorization because it would be built on federal land.
—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
27 May 2026
This solemn rite is a common sight in the rural South, so the locals extended a little grace to the mourning mass, creating a midday traffic jam on the town’s Main Street.
—
Theodore R. Johnson,
Washington Post,
27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for solemn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemn
Adjective
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The source of Soloviev’s angst lay in part in growing up with a father who was one of the more imposing, cantankerous figures in the history of New York real estate — a demographic with stiff competition.
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There’s Chateau de Fère and Les Crayères, which is very imposing and old-fashioned; a couple of very nice funky little boutique hotels (including one owned by the Selosse family who make amazing, and amazingly priced, grower Champagne) and lots of good chambres d'hôtes.
Adjective
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Beijing has and been accused of serious human violations, including large-scale arbitrary detention of Uyghur and other Muslim minorities, in Xinjiang.
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Prosecutors said Anthony Edmond and Rafael Enriquez face the most serious charges, including conspiracy involving firearms trafficking, machineguns and drug trafficking.
Adjective
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The film breathes in a dynamic way, the last few beats taking a startling turn toward a somber wistfulness.
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The hilltop De Smet Cemetery strikes a somber note.
Adjective
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In Bunia and Rwampara, 75 decontaminations and 57 safe and dignified burials have been carried out by teams directly supported by UNICEF and partners.
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Expanding and elevating dignified work to meet our society’s unmet needs provides one of our most promising paths.
Adjective
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England, which has been patchy so far, poses the sternest test yet for the co-hosts.
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With upcoming opponents Croatia providing a sterner test in possession, Portugal’s defensive display will be under greater scrutiny.
Adjective
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Houssem Aouar finally spied a gap in the Austrian defence and sent Mahrez through to score, sparking jubilation before Sasa Kalajdzic’s header confirmed a ridiculous ending to a game that was dramatic, bleak and then dramatic again.
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Kehoe pointed to the state’s bleak finances in a statement explaining his cuts on Tuesday.
Adjective
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Arlington received a distinguished visitor Saturday as the King of Jordan stopped by during the city's World Cup festivities.
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Liu, then a Tencent distinguished scientist (a senior title the Chinese tech giant gives to elite researchers) leading the company’s development of its Hunyuan AI model from scratch, saw where the industry was heading.
Adjective
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Perhaps because of this aesthetic of illusions, the earnest state pride evident in some of the pavilions turns out to feel especially delightful.
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His power in the Senate atop the chamber’s health committee and bipartisan respect as an earnest lawmaker proved inadequate to overcome his impeachment vote and Trump’s influence among Louisiana Republican voters.
Cite this Entry
“Solemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemn. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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