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
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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
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Recent Examples of penumbra
Sixth contact is when the moon leaves the penumbra and the eclipse is officially over.
—
Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025
The moon will enter the outer part of the Earth’s shadow, called the penumbra.
—Jeremy Tanner, The Hill, 8 Mar. 2025
There's a large fuzzy outer shadow, called the penumbra, and a much smaller, darker central shadow, the umbra.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2025
The eclipse begins with the penumbral phase, when the moon enters Earth's outer shadow, called the penumbra.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penumbra
Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025
The moon will enter the outer part of the Earth’s shadow, called the penumbra.
—Jeremy Tanner, The Hill, 8 Mar. 2025
There's a large fuzzy outer shadow, called the penumbra, and a much smaller, darker central shadow, the umbra.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2025
The eclipse begins with the penumbral phase, when the moon enters Earth's outer shadow, called the penumbra.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penumbra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penumbra
Noun
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The final scene shifts to the three Fates, also known as the Kindly Ones, knitting in the shadows.—
Aya Al-Hakim,
People.com,
7 July 2025
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The op-ed made the incredible claim that ratings agencies were being swayed by public utilities companies, meanwhile the PURA chair operates in the shadows.—
Timothy M. Herbst,
Hartford Courant,
6 July 2025
Noun
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Not only that, but Katie Gaudreau’s veil featured custom messages in her brothers’ handwriting.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
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The post also pulled back the veil, if only slightly, on the complex and secretive process federal officials use to determine who belongs on terrorism watch lists that can influence decisions every day by employers, airport security and law enforcement.—
Dan Horn,
The Enquirer,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Don’t forget to grab other backyard essentials, like a patio umbrella to stay cool in the shade, and an outdoor storage box to keep chair cushions, throw pillows, and games organized.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
9 July 2025
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The wash shown here, dubbed New Heyburn, looks a lot like the shade Kaling has been reaching for — but there are 30 colors to choose from if this blue hue isn’t your speed.—
Alexandra Schonfeld,
People.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
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The hospital had run out of white shrouds to cover the deceased.—
Anas Baba,
NPR,
6 July 2025
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Two of Harold’s three wives were there, his grown children, a handful of friends and colleagues: whoever could make it so far, in such haste, to see Harold put to rest in his shroud.—
Nicole Krauss,
The Atlantic,
6 July 2025
Noun
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The cliffs loomed up terribly out of the blackness.—
Nicole Krauss,
The Atlantic,
6 July 2025
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Four months’ worth of rain fell in just hours as water-laden thunderstorms stalled in place, giving rise to a wall of water that surged down the river in the blackness of night, limiting the number of people who could get the warnings and move to higher ground.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
In heartbreak lives hope, and if June isn’t hanging up her cloak, then neither can any of us.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2025
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The crackdown intensified sharply following the post-election unrest, the report adds, and continues today under a cloak of near-total impunity.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
20 May 2025
Noun
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Winged Photo Competition Winners At dusk, a family of six Honduran white bats roost on the underside of a leaf, preparing to take off in search of their dinner.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
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These fogging operations take place at dusk, when mosquitoes are most active and looking for food, officials said.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2025
Noun
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Roving teams of federal immigration agents have cast a pall of fear across many of the region’s communities.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2025
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The churn has cast a pall of uncertainty over the vote.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penumbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penumbra. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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