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

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 part of the moon inside the umbra appears very dark. — Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 2 Mar. 2026 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 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
  • As political turmoil and public discontent grow, Geonyoung, played by Jung Woosung, emerges from the shadows to chase down a revenge plot nearly a decade in the making.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Between color and contrast, rest assured that visuals will be lifelike yet discernible (and you won’t get picked off by a bad agent hiding in the shadows).
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 4 Aug. 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
  • While The Row’s version is sold out in classic shades like black and cream, Quince just dropped fresh summer and early fall colors, including ivory, bright red, and tea green.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Look at your existing lawn and landscaping and note the amount of shade your yard is getting.
    — Amanda Tust, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of shade
Noun
  • Those inside the room crouched down on the floor in the darkness, waiting for help for 30 minutes.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Reflect Orbital's Earendil-1 demonstration satellite will carry a 59-foot-wide mirror to reflect sunlight onto a specific spot on the planet during periods of darkness.
    — Jean Lee, NBC news, 6 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

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 10 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on umbra

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about umbra

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