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solemnity

noun

sə-ˈlem-nə-tē How to pronounce solemnity (audio)
Definition of solemnitynext
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

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 solemnity The overnight journey evokes a wide range of emotions in Sardinia’s pilgrims — joy, hope, solemnity and catharsis. — New York Times, 19 May 2026 For McQuoid, that appears to mean making a film devoid of color, shooting the incoherent fight sequences against murky backdrops, and treating the origin story of secondary protagonist Kitana (Adeline Rudolph) with the solemnity of a biblical reading. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 6 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for solemnity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemnity
  1. gravity
  2. ritual
  3. earnestness
  4. ceremony
  5. seriousness
  6. observance
Noun
  • Football players frequently experience impacts that briefly subject their brains to as much as 180 times the pull of gravity (G).
    — Mike McRae September 15, New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2026
  • So when the foreground star passes almost exactly in front of the more distant one, its gravity bends some of the background star’s light toward you.
    — Thomas Fauchez, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of gravity
Noun
  • Last April, Phuwin appeared in a Loewe campaign based on Songkran, the Thai New Year’s celebration that has been likened to a nationwide water fight, though its rituals are meant to symbolize cleansing, reverence and good fortune.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Coffee, movement and recovery supply some of the rituals people associate with going out, like having a drink in hand, doing something together and meeting new people, without making alcohol the center of the event.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • She is considered the Canadian equivalent to the Down Under disco queen Kylie Minogue by some, and recalls a young Taylor Swift for her unabashed earnestness.
    — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026
  • But the razzle-dazzle pairs oddly with his earnestness, as do the video projections with antique furnishings.
    — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of earnestness
Noun
  • The man in the loud suit made a great ceremony of revealing the name of the champion who had baked it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Last weekend, the TV Academy presented 88 awards as part of its first set of ceremonies.
    — Vulture Staff, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of ceremony
Noun
  • There’s a lot that happens, there’s a lot of death hanging over this season, so there’s a seriousness to it, as well as all the fun.
    — Lisa de los Reyes, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
  • In all seriousness, the Jays probably need at least one starting pitcher and one mid-lineup bat.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of seriousness
Noun
  • Several other states have laws requiring or recommending school observances, bringing the number of states with some policy to at least 40.
    — Jennifer Peltz, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The stock market was dark on Monday in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
    — Justina Lee,Alex Harring, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of observance

Browse Nearby Words

solemnities
solemnity
solemnize
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Cite this Entry

“Solemnity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnity. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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