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 contrast of Mariama’s experience makes Stella’s life look practically as somber and sordid as a film noir, where no one can be trusted and tragedy lurks from all sides. — Elena Lazic, Variety, 15 July 2026 This somber Australian chiller, done in an exceptionally authentic faux-doc style, follows a family trying to piece together unexplainable supernatural events in the aftermath of their daughter’s tragic, seemingly accidental death. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026 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 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
  • Eventually, a gun-free compromise was found, though the opening act of the movie would remain surprisingly bleak and emotionally complex.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Some of them are orphans or runaways, and so the environment is pretty bleak.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • Their traditional decor centers around darker fabrics and pale wall coverings.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Her doctor advised her to stop clinical hyperpigmentation treatments for her dark spots and uneven skin tone as some ingredients could be unsafe to use while trying to conceive or during pregnancy.
    — Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • Both are powerful spots of natural beauty and deep cultural significance, but for a less solemn outing, the little islet of Ojima sits neatly between the two.
    — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
  • After seeing corrupt cops rewarded with medals and politics debase his best friend, now the courts can’t even be trusted to perform their solemn duty.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • Although firms aren’t supposed to be connected to an insurer or provider, those relationships can be murky.
    — Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The deal also gives Asteria access to ZeroGen, ZeroSpace’s generative AI platform that aims to let studios generate content within legal guidelines, helping enterprise customers avoid the legally murky areas of copyright issues.
    — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 31 July 2026
Definition of murky
Adjective
  • The simple, rather depressing, and completely overwhelming fact of the matter is that the Marvel Cinematic Universe cannot be ignored, even as superhero fatigue has definitively set in at the global box office.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
  • The glow through the translucent stone façade prevents that journey from being downright depressing.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026
Definition of depressing
Adjective
  • Reports indicate that Rhode Islanders are facing issues related to depression, depressive symptoms, and overall mental health, reflecting continued demand for mental health and community support services throughout the state.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, Ascend Agency, 28 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of depressive
Adjective
  • Written during a lonely week while Ross was away visiting family, the song explores the temptation to revisit old relationships simply to avoid being alone.
    — Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • But the Jean that Peter Parker (Tom Holland) meets is just a lonely teenager who can’t fully control her powers.
    — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 31 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of somber for Spanish Speakers

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