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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of umbra
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
Totality occurs at 2:26 a.m. EDT when the entire moon is under the umbra.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
Fourth contact is when the leading edge passes out of the umbra and becomes easily visible again, ending totality, and fifth contact is when the entire moon is fully out of the umbra.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025
In a total eclipse, the moon passes through Earth’s umbra, the darkest part of our planet’s shadow.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for umbra
Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
Totality occurs at 2:26 a.m. EDT when the entire moon is under the umbra.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
Fourth contact is when the leading edge passes out of the umbra and becomes easily visible again, ending totality, and fifth contact is when the entire moon is fully out of the umbra.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025
In a total eclipse, the moon passes through Earth’s umbra, the darkest part of our planet’s shadow.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for umbra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for umbra
Noun
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Now, that shadow figures to be dispersed sooner than later by the suspension.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
18 July 2025
-
The blacks of suits and the whites of shirts and balloons look accurate and generally show strong detail in most shots, though the former can appear washed-out or lose a bit of shadow detail to muddiness depending on the shot.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
18 July 2025
Noun
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While their peak nights won't arrive until July 30, these twin displays will slowly build throughout the second half of July, making Sunday the first real chance to catch a shooting star after dark this summer since the Bootids meteor shower in late June.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
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The chocolate is a custom blend of milk and dark that gives it a sharper flavor.—
David Hudnall,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2025
Noun
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And plenty of creatures have evolved behaviors that take advantage of their environment—rolling around in dirt or mud, simply retreating into the shade.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
21 July 2025
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Dense shrubs and heavy shade from trees also provide a cool respite for mosquitoes.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
19 July 2025
Noun
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Mercury and Venus are partially shrouded in darkness, and Mars’ characteristic red hue is on full display.—
Carlyn Kranking,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 July 2025
-
For the Trondheim Synagogue, Shabbat begins at 5:30 p.m. on Fridays and ends at 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays, regardless of the time of year and whether or not there’s sunlight or polar darkness.—
Dan Fellner,
Sun Sentinel,
11 July 2025
Noun
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The Roman Forum at dusk—that was the monumental setting for Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda show tonight.—
Nicole Phelps,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
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Look for egg masses on trees and outdoor plants, especially at dusk or at night when the insects tend to gather in large groups on trunks and stems.—
Kaycee Sloan,
The Enquirer,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Flaunt this fun, floral style, or opt for their best-selling classic black.—
Meg Donohue,
Town & Country,
31 Jan. 2023
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Take your pick from black to mocha to crisp, winter white.—
Taylor Jean Stephan,
Peoplemag,
31 Jan. 2023
Noun
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That experience includes a few minutes of weightlessness and great views of Earth against the blackness of space, from an altitude of more than 62 miles (100 kilometers).—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
22 July 2025
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The Atacama Desert is known for the inky blackness of its nights, and is considered one of the best on Earth for stargazing.—
Carley Rojas Ávila,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
Noun
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All of the shooting had to happen at twilight, the time of day when Crewdson works.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
9 July 2025
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There were issues, however—at 12 years old, the dog was in his twilight years, and had medical issues including a severe ear infection.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Umbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbra. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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