as in gravity
formal
a very serious quality or manner
The new leader has an air of gravitas that commands respect. a comic actress who lacks the gravitas for dramatic roles
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 gravitas
More competent and less malleable than Henry, Potter had a gravitas befitting a show that was growing in ambition.
—
James Poniewozik, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2022
Some fiction podcasts ape true crime, borrowing that genre’s structure and tropes in order to achieve a suspenseful gravitas.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 14 July 2022
His range was wide, but Hall, who had a natural gravitas, often played men in suits, trench coats and lab coats.
—Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2022
Baseball holds a particular gravitas in the world of sports.
—Aj Willingham, CNN, 8 May 2022
See all Example Sentences for gravitas 
James Poniewozik, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2022
Some fiction podcasts ape true crime, borrowing that genre’s structure and tropes in order to achieve a suspenseful gravitas.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 14 July 2022
His range was wide, but Hall, who had a natural gravitas, often played men in suits, trench coats and lab coats.
—Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2022
Baseball holds a particular gravitas in the world of sports.
—Aj Willingham, CNN, 8 May 2022
See all Example Sentences for gravitas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gravitas
Noun
-
With Metcalf’s gravity creating opportunities for other pass catchers, Smith-Njigba emerged as Seattle’s WR1.Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
-
His work also led him to study the collapse of stars due to their own extreme gravity.Ken Bridges, Austin American-Statesman, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Others see Transnistria’s travails less as a sign of Russian retreat than of its determination to divert Moldova from its pro-European course.Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
-
Nicole Cuffy Penguin Random House, March When Faruq Zaidi, a grieving Muslim journalist, seizes the chance to embed himself in a California cult, his determination to get a story pushes him into the world of its mystical leader.CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 4 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The on-pitch toil from Sean Dyche’s team merited such a response, but now the hard work starts in earnest for all, including TFG.Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
-
The invite to come by rang in earnest when your boy said it.Jennifer Harlan, New York Times, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Here was an earnest man who wanted to protect the solemnity of the subject, fans felt.Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
-
The former first lady paid her respects to the 39th president in an ensemble that adhered to traditional funeral attire, reflecting the occasion’s solemnity.Ty Gaskins, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Many see sanctuary cities as a human rights issue, but for conservatives the locations are often touted as . Democrats have been touting the strength of the unofficial sanctuary status, but Trump's resolve will likely provide a stress test in the coming four years.Dan Gooding, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
-
Diana is more convincing in her resolve to not take part in a lust triangle with Danni and Chase.Emma Soren, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2024
Articles Related to gravitas
Thesaurus Entries Near gravitas
Cite this Entry
“Gravitas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gravitas. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share