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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of umbra
During a total lunar eclipse, the moon passes through the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra.
—
Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Sep. 2025
The umbra is a darker inner shadow and the penumbra is a fainter outer shadow, according to NASA.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Sep. 2025
Moon enters Earth's umbra, the innermost and darkest part of the Earth's shadow, causing a partial eclipse.
—Allison Kiehl, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The part of the moon inside the umbra appears very dark.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for umbra
Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Sep. 2025
The umbra is a darker inner shadow and the penumbra is a fainter outer shadow, according to NASA.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Sep. 2025
Moon enters Earth's umbra, the innermost and darkest part of the Earth's shadow, causing a partial eclipse.
—Allison Kiehl, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The part of the moon inside the umbra appears very dark.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for umbra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for umbra
Noun
-
If dogs are our servants, cats are our shadows.—
Rebecca van Laer
September 30,
Literary Hub,
30 Sep. 2025
-
The shadows will make things difficult, as could the wind.—
Sahadev Sharma,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The other player on the pitch on Sunday who cast as long a shadow was Donnarumma.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Playoffs have been under the shadow of league star Napheesa Collier speaking with pointed criticism of commissioner Cathy Engelbert in what amounts to a mutiny against the commish, with other players backing Collier.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Boaters can also camp on their boats, which is the perfect opportunity to stargaze after dark.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Inevitable, then, is the choice between light and dark, which is essential to connote the personality of the lipstick.—
Beatrice Zocchi,
Vogue,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Our Matte Black Metal Candle Warmer Lamp features a modern black shade with a gold-tone accent, adding elegance to any space.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Oct. 2025
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With metallic outfits and coordinating accessories, including silver hooped earrings, sparkling necklaces, super-cool shades, silver heels, and a beaded purse, Barbie Deluxe’s look is one that reigns supreme.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There’s some darkness in Jay Kelly, but the film feels incredibly joyous.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
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The room is just 10 square feet with just a tiny vent for daylight, but when night falls, it is consumed by complete darkness.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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To reduce the risk of mosquito bites and West Nile virus, health officials recommend using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
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As dusk fell, small frogs were found near the mouths of caves as water flowed from their rocky openings, researchers said.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Finished in a warm walnut, rich black, or light honey tone, the timeless piece plays nicely with a number of decor styles from modern to minimalistic.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Oct. 2025
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Students waved pompoms also in the school’s signature black and red as Wilson jumped for joy.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Passengers get to experience a few minutes of weightlessness and see Earth against the blackness of space.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Idle outside on a warm summer evening and let the inky blackness envelope you.—
Mark Ellwood,
AFAR Media,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Umbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbra. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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