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

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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

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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 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

Films can end up looking too bright or too clean, revealing details in the shadows that Kubrick never intended audiences to see.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
The man’s collarbones no longer cast deep shadows at the base of his neck, Shawn noticed.

— Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of shadows

Noun

Using sine wave generators and pink lighting so saturated it essentially blots out all other color and shadow, Young and Zazeela created a space that’s somehow both static and full of life.

— Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
The duration of totality is a function of the diameter of the moon's shadow.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of shadow

Noun

One of the best things to come from the recent renovation was Notch8, the new lobby-level bar and restaurant, which serves excellent drinks in a dark, loungey atmosphere.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Look east and southeast after dark for the Great Square of Pegasus — four moderately bright stars (Scheat, Alpheratz, Markab and Algenib) outlining an enormous square.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of dark

Noun

The shift can be subtle, but combined with how the shade reads against your skin tone, the finished look feels way more custom than a standard balm, gloss or long-lasting liquid lipstick.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
These pumps were finished in satin shades ranging from jewel tones to more neutral hues.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of shade

Noun

When Lee is so clearly shattered, sitting at home in silence and in darkness?

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Curators Massimiliano Gioni and Gary Carrion-Murayari have parceled nearly four decades’ worth of art across two floors of the New York museum, casting much of the exhibition in inky darkness.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of darkness

Noun

Effigies of Ravana—often along with those of Ravana’s son Meghanada (also known as Indrajit) and Ravana’s brother Kumbhakarna—are stuffed with firecrackers and set ablaze at dusk in open fields.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026
Shawn and his father found the man on the easternmost coast of their island shortly after dusk, when the sky was drained of almost all its orange light and the waves had grown dark, topped with an eerie froth.

— Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of dusk

Noun

Lots of red and black everywhere, with a touch of the ridiculous.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
The latest iteration of the colorway will feature a two-tone black-and-gray upper, a feature that has historically alternated between solid black and the contrasting look seen on the upcoming reissue.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of black

Noun

The Halifax surged forward into blackness, each second narrowing the distance between flight and catastrophe.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
The surf was raging, completely enveloping the craft with only the swaying masts visible in the blackness of the night.

— CBS News, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of blackness

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ululating

umbra

umbrage

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“Umbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbra. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of umbra

noun

Example Sentences

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