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
The comments section features a piquant blend of solemnity, mortification, tastelessness, and transphobia, which accords with Moreschi’s reception in his lifetime.
—
Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Since then, Máxima has reserved it for state dinners and high-level diplomatic events, combining it with contemporary styles that allow the rubies to stand out without stiffness or excessive solemnity.
—Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 25 Jan. 2026
Zohran Mamdani’s genial grin would have seemed unsustainably mild in the angry eighties, when Koch’s sarcasm fenced with Giuliani’s snarl, occasionally relieved by Mario Cuomo’s solemnity.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
These early broadcasts featured figures like Lola Beltrán and María Victoria, lending an aura of solemnity and glamour.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solemnity
Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Since then, Máxima has reserved it for state dinners and high-level diplomatic events, combining it with contemporary styles that allow the rubies to stand out without stiffness or excessive solemnity.
—Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 25 Jan. 2026
Zohran Mamdani’s genial grin would have seemed unsustainably mild in the angry eighties, when Koch’s sarcasm fenced with Giuliani’s snarl, occasionally relieved by Mario Cuomo’s solemnity.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
These early broadcasts featured figures like Lola Beltrán and María Victoria, lending an aura of solemnity and glamour.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solemnity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemnity
Noun
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Strange rituals conducted by children unfold on the beach; dance parties at the big club devolve into fever dream bacchanals; cryptic, threatening symbols appear near the rental house.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
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New evidence of ritual at Bruchhauser Steine In this remarkable pit, which had been carved into the rock and sealed with soil, archaeologists uncovered quartz.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Because Didymos and Dimorphos are so intricately linked together by gravity, changes to one asteroid's orbit is destined to influence the other's, NASA said in a March press release.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
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The probe was delayed from 2022, and headed for the asteroid Psyche, using a Mars-gravity assist and not arriving until August 2029.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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On Friday, state and local officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Los Angeles County Care Community, which will open over the next few years in six now-vacant buildings at the state hospital.—
Andrew Khouri,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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In lieu of fancy cars, everyone got to the ceremony on pick-up trucks, and were given distinctive, rare Buffalo nickel coins to carry around, to show the security teams when required.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Advertisement Reggie Dinkins shares an earnestness with Every Brilliant Thing.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
5 Mar. 2026
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Frank, played with endearing earnestness by Bale, is more of a big softie than a monster.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Markets in South Korea were closed Monday in observance of a holiday.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Different mythological tales point to the reason behind this observance.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But in all seriousness, don’t sweat it.—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
7 Mar. 2026
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Is there any understanding of the seriousness and horror of war?—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Solemnity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnity. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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