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
Then, with his hopes of starting the season in the major leagues officially dashed, Hinch and his family began the solemn drive from Philly to the team’s Triple-A site in Scranton, Pa.
—
Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
In the closing scene, Moses delivers a solemn yet respectful celebration of one’s time on earth, honoring life with dignity and grace.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 18 Feb. 2025
From its origins as a solemn feast day to its transformation into a global celebration of Irish heritage, St. Patrick's Day is a meaningful occasion for many.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for solemn
Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
In the closing scene, Moses delivers a solemn yet respectful celebration of one’s time on earth, honoring life with dignity and grace.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 18 Feb. 2025
From its origins as a solemn feast day to its transformation into a global celebration of Irish heritage, St. Patrick's Day is a meaningful occasion for many.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
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
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
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In total, 36 people were hospitalized, and 7 people developed Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney disorder.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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These behaviors can lead to serious side effects, from bloating and nausea all the way up to heart attack and stroke, Pasricha says.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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A lot of emotions — excitement and rejuvenation about joining a new team but also reflective and somber about his tenure in Boston coming to an end.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
10 Mar. 2025
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The mood at the event was anything but somber, though.—
Kristen Bateman,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Over time, inhaling these harmful chemicals can contribute to progressive lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to Sanjay Sethi, MD, SUNY distinguished professor and chief of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the University at Buffalo.—
Stephanie Brown,
Verywell Health,
16 Apr. 2025
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Palmer was just one of several celebrities and distinguished guests who attended the Fashion Trust Awards on Tuesday.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Ars Technica: One of the most visually arresting images from James Cameron's blockbuster film Titanic was the ship's stern sticking straight up out of the water after breaking apart from the bow.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
10 Apr. 2025
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Leeds also drive some of the sternest vitriol along opponents’ terraces.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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All of these episodes have different types of endings: There’s bleak to total cliffhanger to sentimental.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Apr. 2025
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Some practical frameworks and strategies enable leaders to maintain stability, foster engagement, and position their teams for success even when the economic outlook appears bleak.—
Kara Dennison, SPHR, CPRW, EC,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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On Friday, Trump also sent Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to attend the dignified transfer of four American soldiers who died during a training exercise in Lithuania last week at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.—
Ian Swanson,
The Hill,
6 Apr. 2025
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to attend the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base.—
Arden Farhi,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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One of the season’s main stories has focused on Rick (played by Walton Goggins), a morose middle-aged man vacationing with his earnest, wide-eyed girlfriend, Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood).—
Hannah Giorgis,
The Atlantic,
7 Apr. 2025
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There is an earnest warmth to him even when things get messy.—
Daniel Dockery,
Vulture,
6 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Solemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemn. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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