SOLEMN Synonyms: 232 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

solemn

adjective

ˈsä-ləm

Definition of solemn

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

as in serious

not joking or playful in mood or manner solemn as a judge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The fireside audience takes in the punchline—a survival unscathed, a rescue, an injury, a fatality—in solemn contemplation. — Brian Laidlaw, Longreads, 1 Sep. 2026 The slow chimes of Big Ben sounded, and then the newsreader’s solemn voice with the headlines. — Helen Simpson, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 In addition, the new king will receive a solemn ecclesiastical blessing in Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 On a profoundly historic day the president has put his own vanity above participating in a solemn and significant moment. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for solemn

Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemn

Adjective

When houses squeeze into their lots, vehicles grow more imposing, and storefronts battle for attention, the problem is no longer simply whether something is beautiful or ugly.

— Debbie Millman, Time, 18 Aug. 2026
Propaganda posters from the era from both the democratic United States and the Axis powers surround the imposing, heavy-duty boots, covered in animal hair and insulation.

— Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of imposing

Adjective

All parents struggle in some way to adjust to life as empty nesters, but Charlie leaves his mom and dad in a somber, reflective state that casts a heavy pall over an episode that drifts toward the turgid.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
The clubhouse was somewhat somber Friday afternoon, with players still feeling shaken up after witnessing one of the scariest collisions many had ever seen on a baseball field.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of somber

Adjective

His silly walk undermines not only his dignified wardrobe but also the very idea of a professional persona.

— Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026
Trump has attended three dignified transfer ceremonies to honor the lives of service members lost since the war began -- two in March and one in July.

— Justin Fishel, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of dignified

Adjective

Using the pretense of a documentary film crew, the show follows the excruciatingly dull workday experiences of a paper supply company in a drab office in a bleak industrial estate in Slough, England.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026
India's quarterly economic growth has exceeded expectations several times over the past year, defying a bleak global trade environment, high energy prices and geopolitical uncertainties.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of bleak

Adjective

Why Connecticut Should Lead Connecticut has a unique opportunity to lead the nation in civics education because Senator Lieberman was one of its most distinguished public servants.

— Clarine Nardi Riddle, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026
One of America’s most distinguished pediatric cardiologists says the nation is in desperate shape with the end of Medicaid subsidies and the 28 million people who lack insurance.

— Llewellyn King, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

The paper was a propaganda tool, and whatever Grossman may have wished to write, at first all the editors would permit were inspiring, deadly earnest pieces full of generalities.

— Nick Holdstock, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026
Gurjar writes from a reflective, earnest place about navigating the two cities—the significance of cultural preservation, and how cooking brought her closer to herself.

— The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of earnest

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solely

solemn

solemnities

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“Solemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemn. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of solemn

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