1
as in intentness
a mental state free of jesting or trifling
the coronation ceremony requires absolute solemnity
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
the solemnities of the Easter vigil service
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of solemnity
There were plenty of moments of silliness to go along with the solemnity in Tuesday’s show.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Apr. 2026
Good Friday and Holy Saturday will be observed in local Catholic churches with characteristic solemnity, dignity and beauty.
—From Staff Reports, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 2 Apr. 2026
Preventing the entry of the Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Keeper of the Holy Land, moreover in a central solemnity for the faith such as Palm Sunday, constitutes an offense not only for believers, but for every community that recognizes religious freedom.
—Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Jacir’s film, which was short-listed (but not nominated) for the Oscar for Best International Feature, has no use for art-film solemnity.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for solemnity
Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Apr. 2026
Good Friday and Holy Saturday will be observed in local Catholic churches with characteristic solemnity, dignity and beauty.
—From Staff Reports, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 2 Apr. 2026
Preventing the entry of the Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Keeper of the Holy Land, moreover in a central solemnity for the faith such as Palm Sunday, constitutes an offense not only for believers, but for every community that recognizes religious freedom.
—Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Jacir’s film, which was short-listed (but not nominated) for the Oscar for Best International Feature, has no use for art-film solemnity.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for solemnity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemnity
Noun
-
The Midwestern supper club ritual hasn’t changed, bringing guests together for long, unhurried evenings of dining and entertaining.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
The wave is one of a number of rituals that have become synonymous with Mexico’s footballing culture and will likely form a big part of the experience for the tens of thousands of overseas visitors expected to attend the 13 matches being played in Mexico.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Gravitational waves were first proposed in 1915 as part of Albert Einstein's theory of gravity, known as general relativity.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
1 June 2026
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But neither have the gravitas or gravity of Garrett, one of the few in the NFL who compare to former Ram Aaron Donald in terms of how much his presence will suck up the time of opposing offensive coordinators as they game plan.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Before the ceremony began Thursday, Ricardo joined his mother and brother in their Sunday best outside the arena.—
Gregory Royal Pratt,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
Ali was doubly surprised because the mailers went out to voters just a few weeks after Waters attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the future Centennial High School campus.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Western, for his part, had by this time recovered something of his usual bluster, and began again upon the subject of Blifil, commending his estate and his family with great earnestness, as though these considerations alone ought to have settled the matter long since.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
2 June 2026
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Even if the earnestness is genuine, Véliz worries that the use of religious terminology and imagery around AI—deliberately or not—can make honest conversation harder to have.—
Chris Stokel-Walker,
Scientific American,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
Supporters frame the observance as recognition of traditional family structures, while critics say the timing and language amount to political counterprogramming that excludes LGBTQ+ families.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
-
The annual observance is recognized with parades, community events and commemorations.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
The work to preserve our government requires secrecy and seriousness.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
31 May 2026
-
How ‘Clean Slate’ laws work States have a legal process in which people can petition the courts to seal or expunge old arrests or convictions, depending on the seriousness of the offense and after a certain period of time.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Solemnity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnity. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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