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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in solemn
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
Step back in time to the city’s Bohemian past—the Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle, the romantic Charles Bridge—before visiting the somber memorial to its former communist rule.
—
Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 6 May 2025
The color palette often veers away from the somber shades typically associated with formal wear, opting for vibrant hues that stand out.
—Ty Gaskins, Vogue, 29 Apr. 2025
Despite the somber subject matter, cruise ship visitors shouldn’t hesitate to make the museum a priority.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Dedicated to the 184 victims who died at the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77 during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, the somber National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial features 184 illuminated benches situated among 84 Crepe Myrtle trees.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for somber
Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 6 May 2025
The color palette often veers away from the somber shades typically associated with formal wear, opting for vibrant hues that stand out.
—Ty Gaskins, Vogue, 29 Apr. 2025
Despite the somber subject matter, cruise ship visitors shouldn’t hesitate to make the museum a priority.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Dedicated to the 184 victims who died at the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77 during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, the somber National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial features 184 illuminated benches situated among 84 Crepe Myrtle trees.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for somber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somber
Adjective
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Handheld digital images give way to more solemn documentary reveries, which give way to surveillance footage and TikTok-style social media interludes.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
17 May 2025
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The scenes involving Alma and Erika, both of whom grow up in worlds dominated by a solemn patriarchy and plagued by hardship, feel like they were drawn from period horror movies.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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With their golden yellow rays surrounding a dark cone, Rudbeckias are quintessential summer blooms.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
22 May 2025
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Related Stories All About Jalen Brunson's Parents, Sandra and Rick Brunson See Photos of Timothée Chalamet, Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal and More On May 16, Chalamet wore a Chrome Hearts tracksuit in a dark navy blue.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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But when the movie started, the mood turned funereal.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
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The former president was seen taking a photo with another mourner; his wife, like first lady Melania Trump — in attendance with President Trump — wore a funereal veil.—
Adam Carlson,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Its origins are as murky as the exact proportions of the recipe.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
14 May 2025
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That’s why the outlook for companies like Nvidia — even after recent positive news on chip export controls — remains murky.—
Dewardric L. McNeal,
CNBC,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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Similarly, a cat was sent to a shelter after 10 years in a home after his owner passed away, leaving him lonely and searching for a new home.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 May 2025
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Health officials have said the United States is facing a mental health crisis, and in 2023, nearly 1 in 4 adults around the world reported feeling fairly or very lonely.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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For someone who prizes roadside Americana, this is the visual version of the sad trombone sound.—
Christopher Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
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After the show, there's booze, girls, and hotel suites, but Abel's locked in the bathroom, being sad.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Somber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somber. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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