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 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
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Recent Examples of somber
Lawmakers and state leaders opened Minnesota’s 2026 legislative session on a somber note Tuesday, gathering in the House chamber to honor the memory of former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.
—
Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 17 Feb. 2026
The mood in the room in Athens was nonetheless sombre.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026
The verse is a somber reminder of the luxury property’s shadowed past.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
The high intensity, according to Negomir, juxtaposes the sombre mood before the start.
—Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for somber
Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 17 Feb. 2026
The mood in the room in Athens was nonetheless sombre.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026
The verse is a somber reminder of the luxury property’s shadowed past.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
The high intensity, according to Negomir, juxtaposes the sombre mood before the start.
—Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for somber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somber
Adjective
-
As scientists often find darkened teeth in ancient burials, other factors can contribute to a black appearance, notably the chewing of betel leaves.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui posted a video to X over the weekend, showing a dazzling view of auroras spreading like a tall blanket over the darkened Earth below.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The dating scene is bleak, or at least increasingly difficult to navigate.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
-
But none of them have felt as bleak or despairing as Israeli director Anat Even’s scathing cinematic essay, Collapse (Effondrement).—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
At the center of the space will be a central bar wrapped in wood paneling and leather accents, topped with dark stone, according to the release.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee
February 17,
Kansas City Star,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The shoes accompanied a silky black midi skirt, a simple gray sweater, a thick dark turquoise belt and a long furry gray coat worn off her shoulders.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Queen Emma was the first to wear the sapphire tiara in official portraits and solemn ceremonies, setting a precedent that her successors respected.—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians, who may reflect, fast and attend special church services.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Legal experts say the offense is complicated and murky to prosecute.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
But residency requirements are murky.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That simple scenario is a lot less depressing.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Feb. 2026
-
These could become depressing, as well as confusing.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The fear alone sent Rzeznik down a depressive spiral of writer’s block, a move to New York City, and a separation from his wife.—
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
14 Feb. 2026
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While menopausal depression can be temporary, there is also risk of developing a depressive disorder during perimenopause and menopause.—
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira,
Flow Space,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Biographers invariably describe Jackson as feeling lonely and different as a child.—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Being in the entertainment industry can feel really lonely.—
Cierra Black,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Somber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somber. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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