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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
However, Samantha's reaction to learning that Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis) is sober is unfair and doesn’t age well.
—
Melissa Locker, Time, 30 May 2025
The Biden administration’s controls, building on Trump-era efforts, reflect a sober reality: the U.S. cannot afford to fuel the military rise of its chief strategic rival.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 29 May 2025
As admirably rendered by the translator Ross Benjamin, Kehlmann’s style is sober and matter of fact, the sentences straightforward, undecorated by colorful words or difficult syntax.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
In one heartbreaking scene, after seven months sober, Mike takes some ketamine with his girlfriend and her parents and is dancing and having a joyous time.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sober
Melissa Locker, Time, 30 May 2025
The Biden administration’s controls, building on Trump-era efforts, reflect a sober reality: the U.S. cannot afford to fuel the military rise of its chief strategic rival.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 29 May 2025
As admirably rendered by the translator Ross Benjamin, Kehlmann’s style is sober and matter of fact, the sentences straightforward, undecorated by colorful words or difficult syntax.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
In one heartbreaking scene, after seven months sober, Mike takes some ketamine with his girlfriend and her parents and is dancing and having a joyous time.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sober
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sober
Adjective
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Despite an influx of straight tourists, Key West remains an LGBTQ+ haven.—
Matt Alderton,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
-
My how that script has flipped as Marchand helps the Panthers chase a second straight Stanley Cup crown.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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But there’s little logical argument for keeping him on.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
-
This is a logical form of thinking in the sense that AGI as an intellectual mechanism would be unable to compete in jobs that involve hands-on work.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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President Donald Trump delivered a history-laden Memorial Day speech after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, his remarks echoing against the solemn backdrop of Arlington National Cemetery, final resting place of more than 400,000 veterans and their family members.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
27 May 2025
-
Easter can be a solemn event, but only the few days before.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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The drama division had been relatively quiet for a period but suddenly found its stride in the past year with a string of buzzy commissions that will now mostly air under new leadership.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
3 June 2025
-
Each speed setting was quiet enough for sleeping or watching TV.—
Jessica Comstock,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, narratives of Ayyappan usually describe him as a god raised as a human prince who becomes a warrior and finally an ascetic.—
Deepa Das Acevedo,
Foreign Affairs,
4 Apr. 2019
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This is especially clear in the contrast between Marcus Luria and his father, the ascetic sage Zalia Ziskind.—
Adam Kirsch,
The New Yorker,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
30 May 2025
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In the Colorado River Basin, April and May were very dry.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Under coach Manolo González, Espanyol has just placed a reasonable 14th in La Liga.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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International agreements require the owners of the patents on standardized technologies to allow others to use them—to license them to any interested party on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms.—
Zoltan Istvan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Nobody else can do what Isak does, but Newcastle lack serious backup at centre-forward.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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There were no serious injuries reported or arrests made among the crowd of about 500 teenagers.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sober.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sober. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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