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
This is the meaning of Never Again: a solemn obligation to ensure the Jewish people will never again stand defenseless in the face of existential threats.
—
Laurence Milstein, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
On Sunday the country marked a solemn anniversary: four years since rival criminal gangs from Village-de-Dieu and Grand-Ravine killed police officers and residents to take control of Martissant, turning it into a no man’s land on the southern outskirts of Port-au-Prince.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
In the procedural drama, Rodríguez brings to life a multi-layered and solemn character shaped by a traumatic childhood — abused within the foster care system, with no knowledge of his origins, and struggling with severe dyslexia.
—Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
This protection -- known as the seal of confession -- is among the oldest and most solemn obligations in the Catholic Church, grounded in the Church’s teaching that, in the sacrament, penitents are confidentially confessing to and receiving forgiveness from God.
—Hiram Sasser, National Review, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for solemn
Laurence Milstein, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
On Sunday the country marked a solemn anniversary: four years since rival criminal gangs from Village-de-Dieu and Grand-Ravine killed police officers and residents to take control of Martissant, turning it into a no man’s land on the southern outskirts of Port-au-Prince.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
In the procedural drama, Rodríguez brings to life a multi-layered and solemn character shaped by a traumatic childhood — abused within the foster care system, with no knowledge of his origins, and struggling with severe dyslexia.
—Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
This protection -- known as the seal of confession -- is among the oldest and most solemn obligations in the Catholic Church, grounded in the Church’s teaching that, in the sacrament, penitents are confidentially confessing to and receiving forgiveness from God.
—Hiram Sasser, National Review, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for solemn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemn
Adjective
-
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
-
The report cited Biden's sleep apnea treatment and stiffened gait from arthritis, but mentioned no serious ailments.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
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And finally, a tree with serious diseases or pests that might infect the rest of the neighborhood should be removed as soon as possible.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
However, while circumstances were smooth-sailing at the start, things quickly took a somber turn on July 2, 1937.—
Yasmeen Hamadeh,
People.com,
2 July 2025
-
His overjoyed demeanor starkly contrasted with his somber appearance in court just a day before when jurors said they were deadlocked on one of the five counts.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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Bruce Yandle is a distinguished adjunct fellow with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and former executive director of the Federal Trade Commission.—
Bruce Yandle,
Twin Cities,
10 July 2025
-
Roberts, 64, spoke to PEOPLE exclusively while attending the 46th Annual News Emmy Awards in New York City, where she was inducted into the Silver Circle Honor Society — an accolade that recognizes television professionals with at least 25 years of distinguished service to the industry.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
As the bow and stern sections tore free from one another, the ship’s contents were ejected and rained down across the ocean floor, dispersing everything from luggage and dinnerware to engine parts and personal belongings.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
6 July 2025
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The affable Carroll was the polar opposite of the stern hard-driving Parcells.—
Tribune Content Agency,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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Some traders said the numbers were less severe than analysts' bleak forecasts.—
Sabrina Valle,
USA Today,
3 July 2025
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No one is as funny and as bleak in the same sentence, or maybe even the same word.—
Literary Hub
July 1,
Literary Hub,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Of course there's the late, great Christopher Reeve, who delivers the dual portrayal (physically awkward nerd and calmly dignified heroism) all others continue to be judged by.—
Will Harris,
EW.com,
11 July 2025
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What’s more, the Senate used to be a more dignified, less partisan place — especially when compared with the fractious House.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Similarly, Barnes and Saenz de Viteri’s work appears at first all winky smiles, earnest exuberance and breezy dialogue layered over flailing arms, speedy footwork and spoken self-deprecating asides, often set to a Golden Oldies soundtrack.—
Brian Schaefer
July 7,
Literary Hub,
7 July 2025
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Keen home cook Erin Patterson hosted an intimate meal in July 2023 that started with good-natured banter and earnest prayer — but ended with three guests dead.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Solemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemn. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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