umbra

noun

ˈəm-brə How to pronounce umbra (audio)
Definition of umbranext
1
as in shadows
a time or place of little or no light strange noises were coming from the wooded umbra beyond our campfire

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shadow
partial darkness due to the obstruction of light rays during a solar eclipse observers located within the umbra experience a complete blocking of the sun by the moon

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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 umbra During the early morning hours, the full moon will gradually slip behind the darkest part of the Earth's shadow, or umbra, and take on a reddish hue. — John Tufts, IndyStar, 1 Mar. 2026 During this event, the entire moon passes through the Earth's umbra (the darkest part of its shadow), causing the moon to appear darkened or reddened. — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 26 Feb. 2026 Totality ends and the process reverses, with the umbra gradually retreating across the lunar surface. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026 The umbra is the inner, darker shadow, where sunlight is fully blocked from reaching the Moon’s surface. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for umbra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for umbra
  1. shadows
  2. shadow
  3. dark
  4. shade
  5. darkness
  6. dusk
  7. black
  8. blackness
Noun
  • Mixing a sharp slider with a changeup and fastball from the sunshine into the shadows early in the game, Cease had very little hard contact.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • And as eye makeup continues its renaissance–with colorful liners, statement shadows and playful mascaras everywhere from the catwalks to TikTok–there’s never been a better time to experiment.
    — Chloe Burcham, Vogue, 24 July 2026
Definition of shadows
Noun
  • The shadow of Ganymede could be seen on the planet which was impressive.
    — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The moon's shadow will sweep across Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic, Spain, and Portugal, offering up to 2 minutes 18 seconds of totality.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of shadow
Noun
  • Dusk is easing into dark on the Cape Fear River when Max Cady (Javier Bardem) steps out of his car near Bluff’s Point.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026
  • Overnight lows will also remain nearly 10 degrees above normal across the West, offering little relief even after dark.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of dark
Noun
  • Following the consolidation, the production capacity for Inpro’s shower curtains, cubicle curtains and roller shades was expected to increase, the company’s 2024 statement said.
    — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
  • With the synthetic turf, there’s no concern about the shade from the existing tree canopy and playing conditions will be consistent.
    — Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of shade
Noun
  • Simply find a safe location away from city lights, give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adapt to the darkness and look across the sky rather than directly at the radiant.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • There’s an edge and inherent darkness in both your sound and visuals.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 30 July 2026
Definition of darkness
Noun
  • Bears are most active after the sun goes down, or even at dawn or dusk, according to Fish and Game.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 29 July 2026
  • Sundown Sundays are summer fun-days (and ideal to combat any Sunday Scaries) with a growing crowd through dusk.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of dusk
Noun
  • The cabin comes in white-brown, black-brown, or all-black color schemes and features five seats with 10-layer filling, ventilation (bottom-blow, back-suction), and heating.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026
  • For her main ensemble, the Catwoman star wore head-to-toe black, including a strappy triangle bikini layered beneath a semi-sheer coverup that doubled as a minidress.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of black
Noun
  • Experts say that the biggest challenge at that extreme level of blackness is actually measuring it.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 June 2026
  • In the restaurant, my dad looked at me with the passionate conviction of a man who was confident in his Blackness and wanted nothing more than to pass it on.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
Definition of blackness

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ululating
umbra
umbrage
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Cite this Entry

“Umbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbra. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on umbra

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about umbra

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