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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of solemn
During the solemn moments, Princess Kate, 43, and Queen Camilla, 77, stood alongside the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, while King Charles, 76, and Prince William, 42, stood at its head, a few paces away.
—
Simon Perry, People.com, 8 May 2025
The conclave — a historically secretive and solemn election attended only by older men in red cloaks — had a wider following this time around, particularly among the young, non-religious and perpetually online.
—Mariel Padilla, Them., 8 May 2025
The smoke appeared roughly four hours after 133 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel, took their solemn oaths of secrecy, and formally began the centuries-old process of selecting a successor to Pope Francis to lead the Church's 1.4 billion members worldwide.
—Dan Gooding
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Handheld digital images give way to more solemn documentary reveries, which give way to surveillance footage and TikTok-style social media interludes.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for solemn
Simon Perry, People.com, 8 May 2025
The conclave — a historically secretive and solemn election attended only by older men in red cloaks — had a wider following this time around, particularly among the young, non-religious and perpetually online.
—Mariel Padilla, Them., 8 May 2025
The smoke appeared roughly four hours after 133 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel, took their solemn oaths of secrecy, and formally began the centuries-old process of selecting a successor to Pope Francis to lead the Church's 1.4 billion members worldwide.
—Dan Gooding
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Handheld digital images give way to more solemn documentary reveries, which give way to surveillance footage and TikTok-style social media interludes.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 17 May 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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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
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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
Adjective
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Plus, the combination of the stone fireplace and the dark wood cabinets and shelves flanking it contributed to the overall impression of a somber, too-serious space.—
Meghan Holloran,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 May 2025
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Trump will participate in the traditional wreath-laying ceremony and speak at the cemetery’s amphitheater, in what has been a somber occasion for U.S. presidents.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
It’s been a long time since Florida’s university system was put to such disgrace as the Board of Governors did Tuesday in rejecting the distinguished scholar Santa Ono as the lone finalist for president of the University of Florida.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
5 June 2025
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Today, that distinguished tradition continues, with the distillery's current leadership or their cadre of seasoned master tasters personally vetting these casks.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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The flybridge has a reverse radar arch that prompts a double take, while the remainder of the exterior focuses on open space (case in point, the foredeck), along with the beautiful design of the cockpit and stern area.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
28 May 2025
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And, Boeing would have had to submit to a Justice Department—appointed compliance monitor, with the independence and power to impose stern safety reforms.—
Charles Tiefer,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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At the same time, others who attended this year’s California Democratic Party Convention dismissed any notion that the future of the Democratic Party is bleak.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
31 May 2025
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The early options on the GOP side are bleak: Neither Donalds nor Casey DeSantis, the governor’s wife who’s said to be interested in succeeding him, is the moderate Florida so desperately needs now.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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The new campus replaces a creaky, 1930s-era school with a dignified facade and bell tower.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2025
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Stone and McCary bought the 1940s manor in 2021, seeing potential in its dignified brick and the guardian oaks that flank the plot.—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Momentous Human Payoff Ahead Moving the needle on the subjective vs. objective preponderance in psychology is going to take earnest and undeterred energy and attention.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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The overly earnest character speaks in a hilariously cringey Gen Z self-help psychobabble that continuously grates on Enrique’s nerves.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Solemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemn. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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