variants
or sombre
1
as in darkened
being without light or without much light
the prison's somber interrogation room has the desired effect of striking fear and despair into the prisoner
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in solemn
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
the somber occasion of a dear friend's funeral
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of somber
The somber towering walls of the DPRK embassy in Beijing reflect this nostalgia where they are punctuated at one juncture by a small photographic exhibit behind a glass case.
—
Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The mugshot showed the former gymnastics star in a somber mood, seemingly on the verge of tears.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
This was probably my favorite performance of the night as the somber moment allowed the crowd to take a moment to sit down, pull out their smartphone flashlights and reflect on the inspirational lyrics.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
However, while circumstances were smooth-sailing at the start, things quickly took a somber turn on July 2, 1937.
—Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for somber
Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The mugshot showed the former gymnastics star in a somber mood, seemingly on the verge of tears.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
This was probably my favorite performance of the night as the somber moment allowed the crowd to take a moment to sit down, pull out their smartphone flashlights and reflect on the inspirational lyrics.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
However, while circumstances were smooth-sailing at the start, things quickly took a somber turn on July 2, 1937.
—Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for somber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somber
Adjective
-
Its fun-first identity is part of the draw in a market flooded with solemn storytelling and dusty barrels.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
Moderator Whoopi Goldberg opened the show with a solemn acknowledgment of the disaster, urging viewers in affected areas to stay safe and tune in for information on how to help.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
Look for bronze or dark spots on the foliage or prominent purple veins.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
9 July 2025
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The duo stepped out in complementary dark ensembles, with Hayek wearing one of her favorite footwear looks — hefty platform heels — with a black velvet dress.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Joya had been allowed to pull the flouncy bit off her shoulders, like the singers in ABBA, but since my mother told me to keep covered, the top surrounded me sadly like a funereal wreath.—
Jhumpa Lahiri,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
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The Jansson rift is captured in her Family painting, a stark portrait of her father and younger brother Per Olov in their military outfits, with the artist in funereal attire brooding over Per Olov’s chess game with youngest brother Lars.—
Patrick Sauer,
Smithsonian Magazine,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Anton and his second wife adopted Jean sometime during the Depression, but the details are murky.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
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While the Celtics have made a couple of small additions, the future is still a bit murky.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
Horgan’s Eva Garvey is funny and nurturing and grounded but also quite lonely and bitter, a character whose love and bile hold Bad Sisters together.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
15 July 2025
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Even the psychological pain can be hard to fathom, especially for those who have never truly been lonely.—
Paul Bloom,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
That's the sad reality facing many dogs in the wider shelter system.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
-
Know that all feelings are OK Some kids might be very sad or might be scared, and some kids might not have thought about this at all.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Somber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somber. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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