1
as in shadow
partial darkness due to the obstruction of light rays
the lunar eclipse began with a subtle darkening of the lunar surface as it passed within the Earth's penumbra
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in veil
something that covers or conceals like a piece of cloth
a penumbra of despair fell over the doomed city
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of penumbra
Some of this work involves agencies such as the National Reconnaissance Office, placing it within the penumbra of classification.
—
Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
Here's what Hoosiers will be seeing during the event, writes NASA:
11:57 p.m., Penumbral eclipse begins: The moon enters the Earth’s penumbra, the outer part of the shadow.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Although the penumbra phase is interesting, most spectators will begin observing during the partial phase.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The entire process should end by this time as the moon slowly exits the Earth's penumbra.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penumbra
Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
Here's what Hoosiers will be seeing during the event, writes NASA:
11:57 p.m., Penumbral eclipse begins: The moon enters the Earth’s penumbra, the outer part of the shadow.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Although the penumbra phase is interesting, most spectators will begin observing during the partial phase.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The entire process should end by this time as the moon slowly exits the Earth's penumbra.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penumbra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penumbra
Noun
-
New Light Show Eventually, the NuPhy team managed to create a homogenous light source by placing the LEDs at different angles to the beans and that eliminated the shadows.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Ortega, who has lived in the shadows of the Coliseum since moving from Nayarit, Mexico, in 1992, said Oakland needed more days like these after the departures of three pro sports teams.—
Evan Webeck,
Mercury News,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The above-and-beyond production design and costumes are filled with both period-appropriate lushness and totally idiosyncratic touches, like sarcophagi that showcase the naked faces of the dead and several flowing gowns that resemble full-length veils.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The thoughtful musings of eleven museum workers (curators, guards, and other staff) are woven together by Calle to create a fluid narrative on silkscreen embroidered on veil.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Rather than cool or platinum tones, opt for caramel, sand, and honey shades.—
Jeanne Ballion,
Glamour,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The deep red shade is ideal for fall, while the neon pink piping and drawstrings add a unique touch.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Moraes developed computer models to simulate draping a sheet on both a 3D human form and a bas-relief carving to test which version most closely matched the figure preserved in the shroud.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
31 Aug. 2025
-
Next, unwrap your headless body from its shroud.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
But the town’s blackness isn’t just about coal—or, for that matter, about the police abuse Shinhye suffers there.—
Lily Meyer,
The Atlantic,
5 Sep. 2025
-
When D’Silva signaled to turn off the flashlights and thrash our arms around, the blackness transformed into a beautiful cloud of luminous phosphorescence.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
While Sinner only survived by the skin of his teeth at SW19 after Grigor Dimitrov retired hurt at two sets up in their last 16 clash, Alcaraz has been wearing an invincibility cloak for the 15 days of the main draw at Flushing Meadows.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Bats don’t just sneak under the cloak of night, evading the human eye.—
Calista Oetama,
Sacbee.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Its central glass dome—home to the swimming paradise—glows like a lantern at dusk.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The two halves of the body had been carefully placed, lined up, and posed for public view on Norton Avenue, with its considerable foot traffic from dawn to dusk.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The deal, pending the approval of Major League Baseball, capped a 10-month sale process that had cast a pall over the franchise and had already been marred by billionaire Justin Ishbia abandoning his pursuit of the Twins to instead buy eventual control of the White Sox.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
-
But the threat of being attacked publicly by Trump, with midterms one year away, has cast a pall over most Republicans who may have once been inclined to rein in executive powers — and have now seen enthusiastic Trump supporters oust a growing cast of moderate former colleagues.—
Allan Smith,
NBC news,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penumbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penumbra. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share