1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in serious
not joking or playful in mood or manner
solemn as a judge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of solemn
Earlier this month, Francis participated virtually in the Vatican’s weeklong spiritual retreat, an annual gathering that kicks off the Catholic Church’s solemn Lenten season leading to Easter.
—
Angela Yang, NBC News, 16 Mar. 2025
Slow, solemn Christmas music accompanied them, as if in church.
—Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
Ash Wednesday is a day of solemn reflection and repentance that reminds Christians of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God.
—Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2025
In the Potomac River, recovery efforts appear slow and solemn
Those driving past the airport Monday morning wouldn’t know by looking out their windows that recovery efforts were taking place.
—Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solemn
Angela Yang, NBC News, 16 Mar. 2025
Slow, solemn Christmas music accompanied them, as if in church.
—Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
Ash Wednesday is a day of solemn reflection and repentance that reminds Christians of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God.
—Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2025
In the Potomac River, recovery efforts appear slow and solemn
Those driving past the airport Monday morning wouldn’t know by looking out their windows that recovery efforts were taking place.
—Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solemn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemn
Adjective
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The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.—
Jeff Rueter,
The Athletic,
8 Feb. 2025
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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
Adjective
-
No one is more than a degree or two of separation from someone with a serious health condition.—
Primary care physicians,
Hartford Courant,
6 Apr. 2025
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The 16-year-old passenger and the driver of the Subaru were taken to a hospital and last listed in serious condition, KTUL reported.—
Jennifer Rodriguez,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Among the greater Eilish team, the sentiment is that of a somber parting, but there remains great respect and appreciation for the tremendous successes, milestones and memories shared with Rukasin and Goodman.—
Shirley Halperin,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Mar. 2025
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The Opening Day festivities in the Bronx took on a somber tone Thursday as the Yankees honored the late son of former outfielder Brett Gardner.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Nestled along the storied banks of the River Thames, 15 Cheyne Walk stands as one of Chelsea’s most distinguished homes, a residence steeped in history, grandeur, and a 300-year-old legacy.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
2 Apr. 2025
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Michel Koopman is the CEO & Founder at CxO Coaching, with a distinguished career as a senior operator and entrepreneur.—
Michel Koopman,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Fifteen games have passed since, cementing Deepdale as one of the sternest away trips in the English Football League.—
Sam Tighe,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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Of course this new yacht features the wide open stern and three-level beach club Bagliettos are known for.—
Bill Springer,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The coming-of-age story finds a new generation of young women in Gilead, grappling with the bleak future that awaits them.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2025
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Stocks had sold off sharply last Friday, amid growing uncertainty on U.S. trade policy and a bleak inflation outlook.—
Amala Balakrishner,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The incongruity of the black tooth and the dignified voice of Joan Crawford shows a next-level artistic understanding of the best of TikTok.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
28 Mar. 2025
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The State of the Union should be a dignified event where Congress and the citizens learn what is happening with our nation and what the president wants to happen.—
DP Opinion,
The Denver Post,
16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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With an equally tender and earnest vocal performance, Yaksta infuses Crawba’s soundscape with the reverence that unconditional love often mirrors.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
3 Apr. 2025
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But Maezawa has managed to come across as earnest and genuine in his mission for world peace and philanthropy, establishing the Contemporary Art Foundation in Tokyo and randomly giving away a billion yen, or $9.1 million, to his followers in 2020.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Solemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemn. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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