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
The mood this year is expected to be more somber and low key than is typical, with the addition of a candlelight vigil to honor lives lost.
—
Anne Schrager, San Francisco Chronicle, 14 Mar. 2026
After a quick assessment of Amy’s injuries, Claire makes somber eye contact with Jamie.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026
Whatever your position on the war, killing human beings is a matter for somber reflection and not the intense joy Hegseth displays.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
The traditionally somber Italian restaurant at the luxurious Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles Beach has unveiled a new look for its 20th anniversary.
—Connie Ogle
march 11, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for somber
Anne Schrager, San Francisco Chronicle, 14 Mar. 2026
After a quick assessment of Amy’s injuries, Claire makes somber eye contact with Jamie.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026
Whatever your position on the war, killing human beings is a matter for somber reflection and not the intense joy Hegseth displays.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
The traditionally somber Italian restaurant at the luxurious Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles Beach has unveiled a new look for its 20th anniversary.
—Connie Ogle
march 11, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for somber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somber
Adjective
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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
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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
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What’s great about Grayson’s story is that things were looking pretty bleak before the Bananas rolled into town about a decade ago.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
28 Mar. 2026
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The future looks bleak for non-power conferences and uncertain for Big East, Big 12 and ACC, too.—
Jon Wilner,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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On the last night that anybody else reportedly saw Nancy, that camera caught a glimpse of a person clad in dark clothes, wearing gloves and a black balaclava, unidentifiable, standing at the threshold.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
1 Apr. 2026
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Not only did that article form the basis of the film, but Lumet actually took the note and cast Pacino in the role of that dark, thin fellow.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Good Friday, observed on Friday, April 3, marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is one of the most solemn days of the Christian calendar.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
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It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The lack of clarity about IPRoyal’s proxy network coverage, as well as its murky privacy policy, leaves it behind in those two key categories.—
Justyn Newman,
PC Magazine,
25 Mar. 2026
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Mueller’s inability to get to the bottom of the murk did not make the murk any less murky.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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All airports are depressing and scary; some go above and beyond.—
Ellen Cushing,
The Atlantic,
26 Mar. 2026
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And people in Silicon Valley are after efficiency, which lacks humanity and can be horribly depressing.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Studies show that adults with anxiety and untreated ADHD suffer greater functional impairment and more frequent relapses, meaning their severe anxiety or depressive episodes keep returning despite therapy or medication.—
Deldhy Nicolás Moya Sánchez,
The Conversation,
16 Mar. 2026
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Research suggests changes in brain chemistry involving neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine can cause depressive symptoms, says Noorlander.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Single bunnies can be lonely and depressed.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
30 Mar. 2026
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Scripted by Grace Glowicki and Ben Petrie (partners in life and in filmmaking), these words of seduction are music to the ears of a lonely Gravedigger (Glowicki), who has been formulating a perfume to cover up her corpse-like stench.—
Katie Walsh,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Somber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somber. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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