solemnity

noun

so·​lem·​ni·​ty sə-ˈlem-nə-tē How to pronounce solemnity (audio)
plural solemnities
1
: formal or ceremonious observance of an occasion or event
2
: a solemn event or occasion
3
: a solemn condition or quality
the solemnity of his words

Examples of solemnity in a Sentence

the solemnity of the occasion Her voice conveyed the solemnity of the passage. The visiting statesman was welcomed with appropriate solemnity. Elaborate solemnities marked the 100th anniversary of the event.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The JuJu Watkins injury has thrown an unshakable solemnity across women’s basketball. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 Even with the acknowledgements of those Dead members missing from the stage, any solemnity was short-lived, and the tone veered more toward presenter Woody Harrelson’s introductory speech for the band’s kudos. Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Feb. 2025 His solemnity and her contempt converge, with startling force, in the movie’s final moment. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025 Tom Hanks plays Paul, a death-row prison guard who treats his job with near-religious solemnity, and Oscar-nominee Michael Clarke Duncan is John Coffey, his newest inmate, who just so happens to have magical powers. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solemnity

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of solemnity was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Solemnity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solemnity. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

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