1
2
3

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 And on the sidelines of that solemn occasion, world leaders were coming together to push for peace in Ukraine. ABC News, 27 Apr. 2025 Pope Francis’ funeral will be a solemn occasion, steeped in Roman Catholic pageantry, to bid farewell to a pontiff who led the church for over a decade. Emma Bubola, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 President Trump Makes His Entrance At Pope Francis' Funeral By Emma Marsden Freelance News Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 7 Pope Francis' funeral took place in a solemn ceremony at the Vatican on Saturday, drawing hundreds of thousands of mourners from around the world. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025 And when public figures die, the resulting rituals can sit awkwardly between a solemn, respectful wake and a chance to personally capture a moment in history. Issy Ronald and Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solemn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemn
Adjective
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But legal experts said a criminal contempt finding would be a serious step to be avoided.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Emergency personnel transported the injured person to a nearby trauma center with serious injuries, officials said.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite the somber subject matter, cruise ship visitors shouldn’t hesitate to make the museum a priority.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Dedicated to the 184 victims who died at the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77 during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, the somber National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial features 184 illuminated benches situated among 84 Crepe Myrtle trees.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • The research was designed to capture a look at much of the world, said study lead and report contributor Dr. Byron Johnson, distinguished professor of the social sciences at Baylor in Waco, Texas.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Only this season for Valladolid has proved anything but distinguished.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The president shared no caption alongside the image, which depicts him sitting with a stern expression and holding up one finger while wearing white and gold papal attire, including a large cross necklace.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 3 May 2025
  • However, none will have criminal records after their cases are adjudicated, under a deal the district attorney offered during a stern press conference on Tuesday.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • This bleak vision of Hollywood makes for a fascinating backdrop.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
  • But Trump and his aides are now actively trying to impede this reporting and intimidate news outlets, creating a bleak backdrop to the UN’s recognition of Saturday as World Press Freedom Day.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Each year, around July 4, the French carry out a dignified ritual to change the American flag at the tomb of the Marquis de Lafayette in the Picpus Historical Cemetery.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025
  • Notably, Yerba Madre pays at least 25% above the conventional market price for yerba mate so that every farmer working with them earns a dignified income.
    Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The film will follow a pompous food critic (Roth) and the earnest son-of-a-chef (Fernández) who must outcook, outrun, and outwit a ruthless queen-pin (Higareda Howes) in order to save the son’s family restaurant – and themselves.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 7 May 2025
  • But beneath the surface of earnest mission statements and polished annual reports lies one of the least discussed yet most urgent crises in American healthcare: the deteriorating financial health of nonprofit regional health plans.
    Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Solemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemn. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on solemn

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!