1
as in shadows
a time or place of little or no light
strange noises were coming from the wooded umbra beyond our campfire
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2
as in shadow
partial darkness due to the obstruction of light rays
during a solar eclipse observers located within the umbra experience a complete blocking of the sun by the moon
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Recent Examples of umbra
In a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon moves into the innermost and darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra, completely blocking it from the sun, according to NASA.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
As the moon leaves the umbra, a partial — and then penumbral — eclipse is visible.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 Mar. 2025
As the moon exits the umbra, the red color will fade and another bite-like display, this time on the other side of the moon, will appear.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
In a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon moves into the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra, completely blocking it from the sun, according to NASA.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for umbra
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
As the moon leaves the umbra, a partial — and then penumbral — eclipse is visible.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 Mar. 2025
As the moon exits the umbra, the red color will fade and another bite-like display, this time on the other side of the moon, will appear.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
In a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon moves into the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra, completely blocking it from the sun, according to NASA.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for umbra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for umbra
Noun
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But against a Borussia Dortmund team that is a shadow of the side that made last season’s final, this is arguably their best opportunity.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
The Athletic,
11 Mar. 2025
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Remarkably, the eclipses are 521 years apart, which means the moon takes an almost identical path through Earth's shadow and occurs against the same background stars.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Industrial applications: Construction projects and other industries that typically slow down after dark could potentially operate around the clock.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
4 Mar. 2025
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Her timing’s great, and my character’s a little dark, a little more serious.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Each shade is thoughtfully chosen to evoke an unmistakable ultra-feminine allure.—
Felicity Carter,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
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Lips were metallic, using the Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil in a deep brown shade called Jeff and two of the Blurring Balm Lowlighter by Danessa Myricks in a golden mauve tone, Unbothered, and a cinnamon shade, Off The Grid.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Out of all this darkness comes light: the black foil’s silvery underbelly scintillates.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
20 Mar. 2025
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Despite this, there are many instances of light counteracting darkness, and plenty of conversation-starters with kids around beauty, empathy, and influence.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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To keep safe, researchers suggest swimmers should avoid wearing shiny jewelry, refrain from swimming at dawn or dusk and avoid areas where fishermen are present.—
Julia Bonavita,
Fox News,
15 Mar. 2025
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The Rooftop is a vibe day or night with live music and views of the ocean, but dusk is when the hotel team's attention to design details really shine.—
Mariah Tyler,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Flaunt this fun, floral style, or opt for their best-selling classic black.—
Meg Donohue,
Town & Country,
31 Jan. 2023
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Take your pick from black to mocha to crisp, winter white.—
Taylor Jean Stephan,
Peoplemag,
31 Jan. 2023
Noun
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Passengers experience a few minutes of weightlessness during this stretch and get to see Earth against the blackness of space.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
25 Feb. 2025
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Vega, one of the brightest stars in the night sky, shone above the horizon, brilliant against the blackness.—
Nicholas J. R. White Kat Hill,
New York Times,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Last Chance To See Venus What's already happened to Saturn is about to happen to Venus, the brightest and most impressive star in the twilight night sky.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
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By the time we’re situated in our boats, the sun isn’t quite up, but twilight is in full swing.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Umbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbra. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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