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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of somber
The mood was mostly sombre during the anthem, although there were some smiles to acknowledge supporters at the Gold Coast stadium.
—
ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
All that desolation might get old if Sub Zero didn’t get so much mileage out of its somber remit.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 27 Feb. 2026
The mood in some corners of the Penguins locker room was somber on Wednesday.
—Josh Yohe, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
The somber moments were well of the heart.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for somber
ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
All that desolation might get old if Sub Zero didn’t get so much mileage out of its somber remit.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 27 Feb. 2026
The mood in some corners of the Penguins locker room was somber on Wednesday.
—Josh Yohe, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
The somber moments were well of the heart.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 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
-
These events aren’t illuminating, and feel instead like a bleak betrayal.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The outlook is bleak for Spurs.—
Graham Ruthven,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Labrum presented a global outlook with block-print denim suits and dark wash denim coordinates embellished with oversized brooches and unconventional hardware.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Mar. 2026
-
For best results, use a dark or espresso roast, use the smallest cup setting available and use the strongest brew setting.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians, who may reflect, fast and attend special church services.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Inside, the line of those who’d come to see Jackson stretched down the center aisle, and mourners walked in to the sound of solemn gospel music and prayer.—
Andrew Carter,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But the longer term fiscal picture is murkier.—
Luis Melecio-Zambrano,
Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2026
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Under the late afternoon clouds, the water appears murky, too dark to hold a reflection of the soot- and algae-stained warehouses on the pier.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
One day, one of the less depressing reminders of said past comes knocking in the form of an old Navy SEAL buddy, Calvin (Logan Marshall-Green, who’s evolved from Tom Hardy clone to Jon Bernthal lookalike).—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Feb. 2026
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But Funt’s writing about sports gambling’s ‘winners’ is almost as depressing as the look at its losers.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This can trigger depressive symptoms or worsen pre-existing symptoms for some women.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
18 Feb. 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
That perspective was a lonely and isolating one.—
Nina Zipkin,
CNBC,
2 Mar. 2026
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But ‘no writer worth his salt is even, or can be,’ Eudora Welty wrote, reviewing Salinger’s lonely nine in these pages.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Somber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somber. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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