somber

adjective

ˈsäm-bər How to pronounce somber (audio)
variants or sombre
Definition of sombernext
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 bleak
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 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 somber The trailer opens on the somber, grayscale world of London before entering the wild, psychedelic, and magical world of Narnia. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026 The more somber Busk by Aszure Barton closed a three-hour program that received rapturous applause. — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026 On the one hand, Ravana’s defeat is celebrated with jubilation; on the other, the goddess Durga’s departure is marked by a somber farewell. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026 Saturday's event also marked a somber anniversary for the New York church, which was established in 1916 by Greek immigrants. — Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for somber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somber
  1. darkened
  2. bleak
  3. dark
  4. solemn
  5. murky
  6. depressing
  7. depressive
  8. lonely
Adjective
  • Around them stand darkened houses, and uncollected trash piles up on the street.
    — Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026
  • This trend has been pretty pervasive among designer bags recently, with shoppers buying new Prada and Chanel bags with darkened leather to give them a used look, or sourcing vintage Celine bags with obvious signs of wear.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 2 July 2026
Definition of darkened
Adjective
  • Under Sorrells, morale at the office is bleak and has resulted in an exodus, according to two veteran prosecutors who left the office and spoke on the condition they not be identified.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Yet missing from this bleak picture are the ways that Ukraine has already adapted to escalating attacks.
    — Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • In these situations, withdrawing into a literal or symbolic dark room—avoiding sources of stress and going to a safe place—can be adaptive in the short term.
    — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Connie Britton and Sam Nivola lead the series created by Nick Paley that blends mystery, dark comedy and the awkwardness of adolescence.
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • The spirituality throughout is imbued with a solemn reverence more Catholic than Baptist.
    — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
  • This production, solemn about our obligations to one another but committed to providing a good night out at the theater, is neither.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • Of course, some situations are murkier than a stranger breezing past the entire queue.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The legal position of the Hope Florida grand jury report, already widely reported but also expunged by an appellate court, grew murkier Tuesday amid a multi-pronged effort to prohibit any publication of the document.
    — CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of murky
Adjective
  • Cue the depressing rain, dark trench coats, and a dire dystopian dirge because the Blade Runner 2099 trailer is here!
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • How many other legendary companies will face a similarly depressing fate?
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of depressing
Adjective
  • Comfort-seeking, in turn, tracked with fewer depressive symptoms.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Aerobic activities appear to improve mood and depressive symptoms, while mind-body activities benefit psychological quality of life.
    — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of depressive
Adjective
  • Her family supported her, even when her tastes surprised them; school could be lonelier.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The philanthropy journey can be lonely, but there is an opportunity for connections to learn and grow together.
    — Melissa Stevens, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of lonely

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Cite this Entry

“Somber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somber. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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