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Synonym Chooser

How is the word solemn different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of solemn are earnest, grave, sedate, serious, sober, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

When is it sensible to use earnest instead of solemn?

While the synonyms earnest and solemn are close in meaning, earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

When might grave be a better fit than solemn?

While in some cases nearly identical to solemn, grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.

read the proclamation in a grave voice

When would sedate be a good substitute for solemn?

Although the words sedate and solemn have much in common, sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

Where would serious be a reasonable alternative to solemn?

In some situations, the words serious and solemn are roughly equivalent. However, serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

In what contexts can sober take the place of solemn?

The words sober and solemn can be used in similar contexts, but sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When could staid be used to replace solemn?

The words staid and solemn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.

a quiet and staid community

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 solemn Paul McLaughlin was on the front lines and deserves this day of solemn remembrance. Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 25 Sep. 2025 However, just because the tradition is sacred doesn’t mean my styling needs to be solemn or stoic. Essence, 24 Sep. 2025 The lighthearted juxtaposition of Vessel’s stage presence with the moody and solemn nature of Sleep Token’s music served as a good reminder that, even apart from all the lore, this is just a really solid rock band with songs that pack a heavy punch when performed live. Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2025 Some parents and one plaintiff sat on both sides of Johnson with solemn expressions for much of the 30-minute event. Lily Altavena, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solemn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemn
Adjective
  • At the heart of the property is the tahona, used to grind the agave used to make mezcal; this one is solar-powered though no less imposing.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Drafted in the second round, 50th overall, last year out of TCU, the physically imposing, 6-foot-6, 250-pound lefty debuted at the Single-A level in April.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • From a potentially serious injury sustained by linebacker Dwight Nunoo to a multitude of mistakes, Saturday’s 51-10 loss to the host Connecticut Huskies (4-2) was devastating to FIU (2-3).
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
  • This was a period of serious violence in Argentina, with the most notable death in footballing terms being the assassination of General Omar Actis, the head of the World Cup organising committee.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The cards show your heart has been waking back up from a deep and somber slumber to finally roar more loudly than ever in July.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
  • According to the tabloid site, the couple seemed more somber and tense than usual.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Paes also highlighted that the 27th edition of Rio Fest will host 120 distinguished guests, among them French cinema superstar Juliette Binoche who, in addition to presenting her first film as a director, will also celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations between Brazil and France.
    Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The model, developed in collaboration with battery startup Sphere Energy, can predict a battery’s long-term behavior in as few as 50 power cycles modeled on the digital twin, says Teodoro Laino, distinguished research staff member at IBM Research.
    Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • TelevisaUnivsion issued a stern statement of displeasure at the situation.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2025
  • In a series of rulings on motions brought by Combs after his conviction, Judge Subramanian has been stern.
    Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While there is still a chance that Sanders and Colorado can turn things around, the rest of the season is looking bleak.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • From a bleak job hunt upon her arrival in 2016 to undergoing treatment for her second bout with breast cancer during the uncertainty and fear of COVID, Davis recalls her journey through raw vulnerability and splashes of humor.
    Essence, Essence, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Transforming what is discarded into something dignified and beautiful.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025
  • This action will begin, will continue, and will end in accord with the rules of procedure and in a professional and dignified manner.
    Jenna Sundel Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This was Swift's first and only voice role, which is a shame because her earnest, expressive delivery is perfect for children's media.
    Janey Tracey, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
  • And that's before the actual opening credits — accompanied by Barry Gray's famous theme tune — have even started in earnest.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Solemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemn. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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