1
as in intentness
a mental state free of jesting or trifling
the coronation ceremony requires absolute solemnity
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
the solemnities of the Easter vigil service
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of solemnity
Even with the acknowledgements of those Dead members missing from the stage, any solemnity was short-lived, and the tone veered more toward presenter Woody Harrelson’s introductory speech for the band’s kudos.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Feb. 2025
His solemnity and her contempt converge, with startling force, in the movie’s final moment.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025
Tom Hanks plays Paul, a death-row prison guard who treats his job with near-religious solemnity, and Oscar-nominee Michael Clarke Duncan is John Coffey, his newest inmate, who just so happens to have magical powers.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
Network desks tried to convey a sense of tradition and solemnity while scrambling to process a rush of Trump executive orders that made clear these were not ordinary times.
—James Poniewozik, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solemnity
Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Feb. 2025
His solemnity and her contempt converge, with startling force, in the movie’s final moment.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025
Tom Hanks plays Paul, a death-row prison guard who treats his job with near-religious solemnity, and Oscar-nominee Michael Clarke Duncan is John Coffey, his newest inmate, who just so happens to have magical powers.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
Network desks tried to convey a sense of tradition and solemnity while scrambling to process a rush of Trump executive orders that made clear these were not ordinary times.
—James Poniewozik, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for solemnity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemnity
Noun
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From daily rituals to deep healing, discover how to prioritize mental wellbeing in today’s evolving cultural and professional landscape.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
22 May 2025
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The other Cuban beauty wedding rituals included a milk and honey face mask in the days leading up to the wedding (to brighten the skin), and to wash your hair the night before with rainwater (for good luck)—and are both practically required.—
Carolina Dalia Gonzalez,
Vogue,
22 May 2025
Noun
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For example, the Westinghouse AP1000 features passive safety systems that rely on natural forces like gravity and convection to cool the reactor in emergencies rather than active mechanical pumps or human intervention.—
Garth Friesen,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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In the case of Mugatu – which can't always be walking down ramps – gravity is replaced by an oscillating hip motor.—
Ben Coxworth,
New Atlas,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
Three years later, President Barack Obama honored the star with the Arts and Humanities award, though Eastwood was unable to attend the ceremony.—
Kate Hogan,
People.com,
31 May 2025
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Off-again, on-again U.S. President Donald Trump takes questions from the press during a swearing-in ceremony for the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 28, 2025.—
Josephine Rozzelle,
CNBC,
30 May 2025
Noun
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United States stock markets will be closed on Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
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The United States Postal Service is also closed in observance of the holiday, so mail delivery services will be suspended until Tuesday.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
Noun
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In addition to Ducasse’s culinary mastery, offering a cohesive experience that encompasses the liveried staff in period costumes and the ceremonial is part and parcel of the success of the banquet, according to Révah.—
Lily Templeton,
WWD,
20 Feb. 2025
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For those who missed the game, most of the Chiefs’ scores came in garbage time; the lopsided affair was 24-0 at halftime, and the Eagles’ first score was a ceremonial Jalen Hurts Tush Push.—
Jess Bryant,
The Athletic,
10 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Solemnity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnity. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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