SOLEMN Synonyms: 233 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'solemn' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of solemn are earnest , grave , sedate , serious , sober , and staid . While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity. // a sad and solemn occasion

Q: When is it sensible to use 'earnest' instead of 'solemn'?

While the synonyms earnest and solemn are close in meaning, earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose. // an earnest reformer

Q: When might 'grave' be a better fit than 'solemn'?

While in some cases nearly identical to solemn , grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude. // read the proclamation in a grave voice

Q: When would 'sedate' be a good substitute for 'solemn'?

Although the words sedate and solemn have much in common, sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness. // remained sedate amid the commotion

Q: Where would 'serious' be a reasonable alternative to 'solemn'?

In some situations, the words serious and solemn are roughly equivalent. However, serious implies a concern for what really matters. // a serious play about social injustice

Q: In what contexts can 'sober' take the place of 'solemn'?

The words sober and solemn can be used in similar contexts, but sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity. // a sober look at the state of our schools

Q: When could 'staid' be used to replace 'solemn'?

The words staid and solemn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint. // a quiet and staid community

solemn

adjective

ˈsä-ləm

Definition of solemn next

as in imposing

having or showing a formal and serious or reserved manner the director of the funeral home has a fittingly solemn demeanor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in serious

not joking or playful in mood or manner solemn as a judge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in somber

causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer the Capitol's rotunda was draped in solemn decorations of a state funeral

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word solemn different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of solemn are earnest, grave, sedate, serious, sober, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

When is it sensible to use earnest instead of solemn?

While the synonyms earnest and solemn are close in meaning, earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

When might grave be a better fit than solemn?

While in some cases nearly identical to solemn, grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.

read the proclamation in a grave voice

When would sedate be a good substitute for solemn?

Although the words sedate and solemn have much in common, sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

Where would serious be a reasonable alternative to solemn?

In some situations, the words serious and solemn are roughly equivalent. However, serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

In what contexts can sober take the place of solemn?

The words sober and solemn can be used in similar contexts, but sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When could staid be used to replace solemn?

The words staid and solemn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.

a quiet and staid community

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 solemn The serious can exist alongside the inane, and the two enhance each other; in this universe, everyone deserves the right to a good bit of fun, and mass entertainment must serve the solemn duty of providing it. —

Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024 For Tony Guzzi, chief of preservation and site operations, finding the cemetery after all this time was exciting, but also solemn. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 These gestures serve as solemn tributes to individuals who have served their communities and country, as well as to the memory of significant historical events. —

Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 Finding the cemetery after all this time was exciting but also solemn for Tony Guzzi, chief of preservation and site operations. —

Travis Loller, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for solemn

Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemn

Adjective

And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.

— Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
The most imposing constructions, hidden by nature, towered above the tree canopy.

— Anna Lagos, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024