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
His solemnity and her contempt converge, with startling force, in the movie’s final moment.
—
Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025
Tom Hanks plays Paul, a death-row prison guard who treats his job with near-religious solemnity, and Oscar-nominee Michael Clarke Duncan is John Coffey, his newest inmate, who just so happens to have magical powers.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
Network desks tried to convey a sense of tradition and solemnity while scrambling to process a rush of Trump executive orders that made clear these were not ordinary times.
—James Poniewozik, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
There is something interesting that happens in the kill rooms where there is an air of solemnity about it.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solemnity
Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025
Tom Hanks plays Paul, a death-row prison guard who treats his job with near-religious solemnity, and Oscar-nominee Michael Clarke Duncan is John Coffey, his newest inmate, who just so happens to have magical powers.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
Network desks tried to convey a sense of tradition and solemnity while scrambling to process a rush of Trump executive orders that made clear these were not ordinary times.
—James Poniewozik, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
There is something interesting that happens in the kill rooms where there is an air of solemnity about it.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solemnity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemnity
Noun
-
In each iteration, the body of the deceased was pulled by livestock or carried by boat while mourners performed rituals to honor their lives and, in some cultures, to encourage safe passage for the spirit into the afterlife.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
10 May 2025
-
Pope Leo’s election has instantly made the rituals of the Vatican feel a touch more familiar to Americans—and perhaps made the idea of holiness feel a touch more attainable.—
Christopher Hale,
Time,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
During the 11-minute space flight, Perry unveiled the setlist for her Lifetimes Tour live from zero gravity — giving the internet further fodder to turn into memes, gifs and running jokes.—
Glenn Rowley,
Billboard,
2 May 2025
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Like the force of gravity or the lump of uranium in a nuclear generator, the force of character works invisibly.—
Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D.,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The unidentified Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputy was fatally struck around 1 p.m. near the university, which was hosting a graduation ceremony.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
3 May 2025
-
Fergie Jenkins soaks up the adoration as the Chicago Cubs unveil his statue outside Wrigley Field When Fergie Jenkins attended the statue dedication ceremonies for his former Chicago Cubs teammates at Wrigley Field, the thought had to cross his mind.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
If only Americans could see the beauty of this observance.—
Rabbi Steve Roth,
Sun Sentinel,
23 Apr. 2025
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Some experts question whether annual observance days like Earth Day still spur meaningful change—or have become performative rituals with limited impact on policy or behavior.—
Monica Sanders,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In addition to Ducasse’s culinary mastery, offering a cohesive experience that encompasses the liveried staff in period costumes and the ceremonial is part and parcel of the success of the banquet, according to Révah.—
Lily Templeton,
WWD,
20 Feb. 2025
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For those who missed the game, most of the Chiefs’ scores came in garbage time; the lopsided affair was 24-0 at halftime, and the Eagles’ first score was a ceremonial Jalen Hurts Tush Push.—
Jess Bryant,
The Athletic,
10 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Solemnity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnity. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
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