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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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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Recent Examples of umbra
During a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon falls within the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra.
—
Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The first and innermost darkest shadow is called the umbra (pronounced UM bruh).
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 13 Mar. 2025
After about an hour, a partial eclipse will begin that will be visible to all U.S. residents across the country, followed by the total lunar eclipse beginning when the moon is fully in the Earth’s umbra and turns a coppery red around 2:30 a.m. ET.
—Nick Jachim, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2025
In a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon falls within the darkest part of Earth's shadow, called the umbra.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for umbra
Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The first and innermost darkest shadow is called the umbra (pronounced UM bruh).
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 13 Mar. 2025
After about an hour, a partial eclipse will begin that will be visible to all U.S. residents across the country, followed by the total lunar eclipse beginning when the moon is fully in the Earth’s umbra and turns a coppery red around 2:30 a.m. ET.
—Nick Jachim, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2025
In a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon falls within the darkest part of Earth's shadow, called the umbra.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for umbra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for umbra
Noun
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Lids pressed in pale pink shadow deliver detailing that’s the perfect balance between warm and cool.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
12 Aug. 2025
-
At a time when all live-service games are living in the shadow of Fortnite, games like Call of Duty have mostly leaned into meme potential over any kind of strict creative vision or cohesive worldbuilding.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The stand is self-service from noon to dark (around 8 p.m.).—
Cathy Kozlowicz,
jsonline.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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There’s a special name to describe wildlife that is most active during those twilight times just before dark or dawn.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
Noun
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The exterior may be a rich terra-cotta shade, but the interiors are all bright and airy.—
Jessica Cherner,
Architectural Digest,
13 Aug. 2025
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This supersoft sleeveless piece molds like clay on to your body and comes in a variety of sizes and shades.—
Dory Zayas,
Glamour,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile Vrabel had retired from the NFL, just in time to join Fickell and help lead their alma mater out of the darkness.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
7 Aug. 2025
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Kelly Osbourne is paying tribute to her father, Ozzy, the prince of darkness.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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At dusk, the Camp 25 crew had crossed the ruins and reached a harbor in the south, where the aircraft carrier Cape Gloucester was in port.—
Charles Pellegrino,
Rolling Stone,
6 Aug. 2025
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The latter will take a back seat this week because of a full moon — the sturgeon moon — rising into summer skies at dusk and shining much of the night.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Flaunt this fun, floral style, or opt for their best-selling classic black.—
Meg Donohue,
Town & Country,
31 Jan. 2023
-
Take your pick from black to mocha to crisp, winter white.—
Taylor Jean Stephan,
Peoplemag,
31 Jan. 2023
Noun
-
Passengers experience a few minutes of weightlessness and get to see Earth against the blackness of space.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
31 July 2025
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Then blackness, the last traces—the moment of medium desire, forgetfulness, being confused, weariness, and doubt.—
Amie Barrodale,
Harpers Magazine,
16 July 2025
Noun
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With Season 5 rolling out in three waves, beginning with Volume 1 (Episodes 1-4) on Nov. 26, followed by Volume 2 (Episodes 5-7) on Christmas and the Finale (Episode 8) on New Year’s Eve, the actor is savoring the twilight of a show that defined him.—
Tatiana Siegel,
Variety,
5 Aug. 2025
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All the while, the Turkish top flight has built a reputation for attracting stars in their twilight years or bringing in talents looking to relaunch their careers after finding themselves at a dead end with their previous employers.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Umbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbra. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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