1
as in intentness
a mental state free of jesting or trifling
the coronation ceremony requires absolute solemnity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
No other solemnity is required by law; no other act is to be performed on the part of government.
—
Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2025
Churches may also hold special services, dim the lights, and muffle bells to reflect the day’s solemnity.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Advertisement That shift in tone, from early seasons that moved fluidly between humor and wonder and angst to the relentless solemnity of the past two, has been particularly frustrating with regard to our hero.
—Judy Berman, Time, 26 June 2025
His boorish behavior was condemned by others silently and did not affect the solemnity of the ceremony.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for solemnity
Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2025
Churches may also hold special services, dim the lights, and muffle bells to reflect the day’s solemnity.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Advertisement That shift in tone, from early seasons that moved fluidly between humor and wonder and angst to the relentless solemnity of the past two, has been particularly frustrating with regard to our hero.
—Judy Berman, Time, 26 June 2025
His boorish behavior was condemned by others silently and did not affect the solemnity of the ceremony.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for solemnity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemnity
Noun
-
Kanto practitioners believe that women cannot participate because, according to Japan's Shinto religion, women's blood from menstruation and childbirth is considered impure for the purpose of religious rituals.—
Anthony Kuhn,
NPR,
3 Nov. 2025
-
That same appreciation for craftsmanship extends to her red-carpet ritual.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
For her part, BunnaB, beloved for her infectious, near-constant laughs, has separated herself from this ascendant pack by infusing her bubbly disposition, girl’s girl attitude, unfettered authenticity — and the unmistakable gravity of earning a second shot.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Oral arguments, typically constrained to an hour (allocating 30 minutes for each side), will be expanded, underscoring the gravity and complexity of the case.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Chinese leader Xi Jinping attended the commissioning ceremony for the Fujian at a military port in Sanya on Hainan island earlier this week, China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported on Friday.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Alex Morgan speaks during the ceremony to retire her Number 13 jersey following NWSL match between San Diego Wave and Houston Dash at Snapdragon Stadium on September 07, 2025 in San Diego, California.—
Jessica Golden,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Listen to him bum-rush a workers’ union meeting and begin describing, with over-enthusiastic earnestness, how dogs get a raw deal.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Though the score is anthem-heavy and earnestness is always hovering, there are moments in the show that are transcendent.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Some businesses and other services in the commonwealth will be closed in observance of the federal holiday.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
7 Nov. 2025
-
All branches of Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles are closed Tuesday in observance of Veterans Day.—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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
Noun
-
At the start of the novel, Lane’s seriousness appears to have served her well.—
Lily Meyer,
The Atlantic,
31 Oct. 2025
-
These after-action reports usually take four to six weeks to produce, but because of the seriousness of the injuries in this case, the report could take longer, Hill said.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Solemnity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnity. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share