UMBRA Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

umbra

noun

ˈəm-brə

Definition of umbra

as in shadows

a time or place of little or no light strange noises were coming from the wooded umbra beyond our campfire

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 The Earth's shadow, called an umbra, is cast across the moon’s surface, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 For a few fleeting minutes, observers inside the moon’s dark central shadow — the umbra — will see the sun completely covered, revealing the spectacular solar corona and plunging landscapes into an eerie twilight. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 The full eclipse, or totality, begins when the moon moves completely into the umbra, turning its usually white surface a dim reddish-orange. — Stefanie Waldek, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Mar. 2026 The part of the moon inside the umbra appears very dark. — Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for umbra

Recent Examples of Synonyms for umbra

Noun

If there's snow on the ground, check for shadows made by Venus's light.

— Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Rattlesnakes are lazy hunters that wait in the shadows for prey to approach.

— RJ Mackenzie, Popular Science, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of shadows

Noun

There will be little shortage of traditional yacht-world indulgence, from a sprawling beach club and spa to helicopter transfers and a 230-foot shadow vessel laden with toys.

— Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2026
Multiple speakers, including some with family members in the cemetery, cited a Washington Post analysis that the arch would cast shadows on thousands of graves.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of shadow

Noun

Animal control officials believe the animal would not have survived the night had he not been found before dark.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
Next shows for Artistic Home The Artistic Home theater company is bringing the long-dark Lookingglass Studio Theatre back to life, though.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of dark

Noun

The cover art for The Holy Cross Tigers is awash in burgundy, a more ambiguous shade that’s indicative of the oppositional emotions stewing within.

— Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026
Long- and short-sleeve styles come in a palette that includes a buttery yellow and smoky shades, with contrasting colors to make the graphics pop.

— Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of shade

Noun

Then, suddenly, the evening begins a rapid and premature descent into darkness.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026
The legendary singer-songwriter has a discography that stands the test of time, but his recent decision to perform in near darkness hasn’t exactly been celebrated.

— Alfredo Toriello, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of darkness

Noun

Unlike many mosquito species that bite mostly at dawn and dusk, the mosquitoes carrying dengue feed aggressively during daytime hours and thrive in humid residential environments.

— Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
As dusks settle in over the field, family and friends cheer for Patriot High School girls flag football team during the team’s first CIF Playoff win.

— Staff Photographer, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of dusk

Noun

Ditch your boring black and opt for a shoulder bag in a fun texture this season, like this Michael Kors woven suede bag.

— Anna Traver, InStyle, 31 Oct. 2026
Henry kept things sporty in a red-and-black zip-up jacket and dark trousers, while Johan opted for a black T-shirt and slouchy gray jeans.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of black

Noun

Passengers will experience a few minutes of weightlessness and get to see the curve of Earth against the blackness of space before coming down for a runway landing back at Spaceport America.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Nori of a perfect blackness, death-like, without the green glints of more common seaweed.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of blackness

Browse Nearby Words

ululating

umbra

umbrage

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“Umbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbra. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of umbra

noun

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