1
as in straight
not having one's mind affected by alcohol
it's important to stay sober if you're going to be driving a car
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in logical
based on sound reasoning or information
a sober assessment of the situation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
a sober reply to what was only a teasing comment
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4
as in quiet
not excessively showy
if you don't have anything in black, at least wear a sober outfit to the funeral
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5
as in ascetic
given to or marked by restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites
cruise passengers of sober dispositions will be put off by the focus on nonstop dining
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sober
The problem for Ruto (and Kenya) is that the economy is faring just well-enough to obviate the need for a sober look at the root causes of the protests and general public disgruntlement.
—
Ken Opalo, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
The death certificate shows that Madsen, who’d reportedly gotten sober in recent months, died less than two months after undergoing coronary angiography, which uses X-rays to look at the heart’s blood vessels, per Mayo Clinic.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 17 July 2025
Similar warnings have come from more sober sources.
—Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
This can muddle the drama in places, although the direction is sharp and sober enough to keep the film contained.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sober
Ken Opalo, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
The death certificate shows that Madsen, who’d reportedly gotten sober in recent months, died less than two months after undergoing coronary angiography, which uses X-rays to look at the heart’s blood vessels, per Mayo Clinic.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 17 July 2025
Similar warnings have come from more sober sources.
—Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
This can muddle the drama in places, although the direction is sharp and sober enough to keep the film contained.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sober
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sober
Adjective
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Nashville hot chicken is perhaps this city's most famed dish, but the best of it has more nuance than just straight heat.—
Mackensy Lunsford,
The Tennessean,
26 July 2025
-
Friday’s home starter is Logan Webb (9-7), an All-Star for the second consecutive year and the NL’s leader in innings pitched for the third straight season.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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Big consulting players like Bain & Company use online assessments to evaluate a candidate’s situational awareness, numerical and verbal aptitude, and logical reasoning before a technical interview is even scheduled.—
Julia Korn,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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Cutting ties with him doesn't seem logical at the moment.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
15 July 2025
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The eventual confirmation of his passing, delivered by solemn White House and medical officials, triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, even from those who had been his staunchest opponents.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
Adjective
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Sure, Texas has plenty of sleepy towns, dusty ranchland and quiet downtowns that rarely see a crowd.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
22 July 2025
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The couple was murdered that same day On a sunbaked afternoon in the quiet hills of Encino, a nightmare unfolded behind the white stucco walls of a music-world power couple’s upscale home.—
Danielle Bacher,
People.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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Quarantine by Jim Crace This 1997 novel follows Jesus during his 40-day ascetic retreat to a desert cave.—
Mia Barzilay Freund,
Vogue,
7 July 2025
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Martin lived an ascetic and solitary life, and often denounced overly cerebral art.—
Melissa Febos,
The Atlantic,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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Her candidness, dry humor and emotional honesty resonated with thousands — some fellow transplant recipients, others simply inspired by her resilience.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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On the West Coast, vegetation grows back quickly, presenting a perennial wildfire risk in dry zones.—
Louis Gritzo,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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Invoking Section 15 of Article 17, the NFL wants Droney to order payment of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs—about $12 million.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
14 July 2025
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Isolated locations could face a reasonable worst-case scenario of five to seven inches or more, according to the weather service.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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This surge in extreme heat drives up energy demand and poses serious health risks to vulnerable populations.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
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State police are looking for the driver involved in a crash on Interstate 91 in North Haven on Tuesday that left a motorcyclist with serious injuries.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sober.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sober. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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