variants
or sombre
1
as in darkened
being without light or without much light
the prison's somber interrogation room has the desired effect of striking fear and despair into the prisoner
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in solemn
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
the somber occasion of a dear friend's funeral
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of somber
The somber towering walls of the DPRK embassy in Beijing reflect this nostalgia where they are punctuated at one juncture by a small photographic exhibit behind a glass case.
—
Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The mugshot showed the former gymnastics star in a somber mood, seemingly on the verge of tears.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
This was probably my favorite performance of the night as the somber moment allowed the crowd to take a moment to sit down, pull out their smartphone flashlights and reflect on the inspirational lyrics.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
However, while circumstances were smooth-sailing at the start, things quickly took a somber turn on July 2, 1937.
—Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for somber
Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The mugshot showed the former gymnastics star in a somber mood, seemingly on the verge of tears.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
This was probably my favorite performance of the night as the somber moment allowed the crowd to take a moment to sit down, pull out their smartphone flashlights and reflect on the inspirational lyrics.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
However, while circumstances were smooth-sailing at the start, things quickly took a somber turn on July 2, 1937.
—Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for somber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somber
Adjective
-
The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
15 July 2025
-
The eventual confirmation of his passing, delivered by solemn White House and medical officials, triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, even from those who had been his staunchest opponents.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
Transformed into a swan by the evil sorcerer Rothbart, Odette and Siegfried's love faces an impossible battle against dark forces.—
Maggie Menderski,
The Courier-Journal,
22 July 2025
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The other dark money entity paying for ads that promote a candidate is 5Plus1, which has been spending oodles on billboards and campaign literature mailed to Detroiters that promote Sheffield, the city council president.—
M.L. Elrick,
Freep.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
Joya had been allowed to pull the flouncy bit off her shoulders, like the singers in ABBA, but since my mother told me to keep covered, the top surrounded me sadly like a funereal wreath.—
Jhumpa Lahiri,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
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The Jansson rift is captured in her Family painting, a stark portrait of her father and younger brother Per Olov in their military outfits, with the artist in funereal attire brooding over Per Olov’s chess game with youngest brother Lars.—
Patrick Sauer,
Smithsonian Magazine,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Anton and his second wife adopted Jean sometime during the Depression, but the details are murky.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
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While the Celtics have made a couple of small additions, the future is still a bit murky.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
Horgan’s Eva Garvey is funny and nurturing and grounded but also quite lonely and bitter, a character whose love and bile hold Bad Sisters together.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
15 July 2025
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Even the psychological pain can be hard to fathom, especially for those who have never truly been lonely.—
Paul Bloom,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
The sad reality is that Lucky really hasn't had all that much luck in his life to date.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
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These people have gone through hell, and so checking in sometimes is just equally as sad and devastating.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Somber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somber. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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