Definition of solemnnext
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 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 These photos capture the patriotic displays, local scouts, and solemn tributes from the Broward County community event. Scott Luxor, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for solemn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemn
Adjective
  • 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.
    Reeves Wiedeman, Curbed, 22 June 2026
  • 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.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • What Research Shows About Cancer in Dogs While there is no evidence that turkey tail shrinks tumors, the mushroom has drawn real scientific interest as a complementary therapy for serious illness.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
  • The new guidance was heavily criticized by health groups, which argued the decision could sow confusion and leave children vulnerable to serious disease.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The film breathes in a dynamic way, the last few beats taking a startling turn toward a somber wistfulness.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
  • The hilltop De Smet Cemetery strikes a somber note.
    Alicia Underlee Nelson, Midwest Living, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Right to dignified work and fair income Can people find work?
    Stephen Bagwell, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
  • Days are spent strengthening infection prevention and control, improving laboratory capacity, training health care workers, tracing contacts, meeting with community leaders, supporting safe and dignified burials, and working alongside ministries of health and international partners.
    Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Judges have to throw the book at those arrested to teach them a stern lesson.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 17 June 2026
  • However, for students graduating right now, Hammer can't really summon up anything stern to say.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The goofy sketch comedies and homemade spoofs that once filled his channel gradually disappeared, replaced by melancholy short films and bleak monologues.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
  • Cher’s court documents paint a bleak picture of how Allman, 49, allegedly blows through his $120,000 annual trust distributions.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • 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.
    Zinnia Lee, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Advertisement As in Curb, the list of guest stars is long, distinguished, and smartly deployed.
    Judy Berman, Time, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Perhaps because of this aesthetic of illusions, the earnest state pride evident in some of the pavilions turns out to feel especially delightful.
    Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
  • 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.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on solemn

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster