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 Instead, Alfonzo’s first appearance, the culmination of nine tireless years, was somber , stricken by the grief overshadowing what should’ve been a joyous moment in the Dodgers’ to the Padres. — Liana Handler follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 Flying straight from the merry Riverlands into the somber halls of Dragonstone is one hell of a comedown, but Daemon never struggles to access his dark side. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026 The hilltop De Smet Cemetery strikes a somber note. — Alicia Underlee Nelson, Midwest Living, 22 June 2026 As alibis and polygraph tests dissipated police theories and the case moved from one investigator to another, newspaper interviews from the ’80s and ’90s capture the family’s desperate plea for answers melt into somber acceptance and hope that Carla wasn’t somewhere out there suffering. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 21 June 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
  • 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
  • She’s talked up her push to convert darkened streetlights, many of them stripped of their copper wire, to solar power.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Definition of darkened
Adjective
  • Before yesterday’s vote, the prospects for BPC-157 appeared bleak.
    — Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
  • Recent headlines about technology jobs have often presented a bleak outlook.
    — Felysha Walker, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • Skywatchers should find dark locations and look north, as the aurora's intensity also hinges on the solar wind's magnetic field orientation.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • And in a dark time for the world, a magnificent tournament helped make the world feel a little smaller.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • Preservationists also say that the arch’s scale would overwhelm the solemn character of Arlington National Cemetery.
    — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026
  • Nolan’s more solemn final act attempts too much and doesn’t develop some key moments.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • But the ethical waters are murky, and any such project should have high levels of public transparency and accountability, said Lisa Moses, a veterinarian and bioethicist at Harvard Medical School.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Now, though, that rather murky picture is growing a bit clearer.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of murky
Adjective
  • The song arrives alongside a cinematic, albeit somewhat depressing, video directed by Mikai Karl and starring distinctive French character actor Denis Lavant (Beau Travail, Mauvais Sang).
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 15 July 2026
  • In addition to which, the Moon is lined up with stern Saturn, which can be depressing.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 7 July 2026
Definition of depressing
Adjective
  • Those in the strawberry group improved on verbal learning tests and reported better mood and fewer depressive symptoms.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
  • Unlike more overtly depressive takes on this role, Bos’ Hamlet is impetuous and sardonic, often bounding up three stairs in a single step and unspooling his words, words, words as if his mouth can’t keep up with his restless mind.
    — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of depressive
Adjective
  • That’s why even a creator with millions of followers can be lonely inside a system.
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • One problem with all these efforts to mitigate old-age loneliness, Schiller notes, is that the loneliest generation is actually Gen Z.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of lonely

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somber
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Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of somber for Spanish Speakers

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