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 High Holy Days, observed by Jews worldwide, are a time of solemn resolution, remembrance and repentance. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026 Events and tributes commemorating the solemn occasion are taking place across the US, including in New York City and Washington, DC. — Kaanita Iyer, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026 The Prince of Wales, 44, and the Princess Royal, 76, were seen arriving for the service at the Oslo Cathedral after taking part in the solemn funeral procession. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026 The focus of the solemn event will be to remember the sacrifices made by first responders. — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 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

Flight attendants, pilots, and nurses all highly recommend compression socks because of their ability to improve circulation, reduce soreness, and curb the very serious risk of developing blood clots as a result of prolonged immobility.

— Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2026
Drones are also becoming an increasingly serious problem for airplane pilots.

— Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of serious

Adjective

Many social media users suggested Pearman may have missed the point of the somber experience of visiting a living memorial where one of history’s greatest atrocities occurred.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026
On Thursday, members of The Times editorial staff gathered to celebrate Swed, but the mood was somewhat somber.

— Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of somber

Adjective

By platitudes like a peaceful and dignified death and silly words like natural.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
In a dignified ceremony, Elgin Mayor David Kaptain and Aurora Deputy Mayor Casey Cuevas delivered the proclamations to Fox Valley Harmonizers president Ralph Ferguson and Aurora Lamplighter Chorus president Lester Grossman.

— Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of dignified

Adjective

The new trailer for Paper Tiger transfers this dynamic onto the scene of a rehabilitation project for New York City’s Gowanus Canal, resulting in far graver consequences than a stern talking-to from mom.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
Safety researchers have resigned from major companies and issued stern warnings that the advanced technology could pose a risk to the human race, and politicians from across the political spectrum have called for action.

— Kevin Collier, NBC news, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of stern

Adjective

During the Yuma event, the interceptor was loaded into an eight-shot launcher and demonstrated to distinguished visitors.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
Elizabeth Shackelford is a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune and a distinguished lecturer with the Dickey Center at Dartmouth College.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

Nora’s time in the office, and the relationships that blossom — and one that withers — over the course of that formative span give shape to this earnest, appealing movie about idealism lost but innocence preserved.

— Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
Presented on a bold black-and-white print, Ghost Song is an earnest and spiritually rich film that Akin says was born out of a period of crisis in his career.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of earnest

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“Solemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemn. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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