1
as in straight
not having one's mind affected by alcohol
it's important to stay sober if you're going to be driving a car
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in logical
based on sound reasoning or information
a sober assessment of the situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
a sober reply to what was only a teasing comment
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4
as in quiet
not excessively showy
if you don't have anything in black, at least wear a sober outfit to the funeral
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5
as in ascetic
given to or marked by restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites
cruise passengers of sober dispositions will be put off by the focus on nonstop dining
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sober
However, Samantha's reaction to learning that Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis) is sober is unfair and doesn’t age well.
—
Melissa Locker, Time, 30 May 2025
The Biden administration’s controls, building on Trump-era efforts, reflect a sober reality: the U.S. cannot afford to fuel the military rise of its chief strategic rival.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 29 May 2025
As admirably rendered by the translator Ross Benjamin, Kehlmann’s style is sober and matter of fact, the sentences straightforward, undecorated by colorful words or difficult syntax.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
In one heartbreaking scene, after seven months sober, Mike takes some ketamine with his girlfriend and her parents and is dancing and having a joyous time.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sober
Melissa Locker, Time, 30 May 2025
The Biden administration’s controls, building on Trump-era efforts, reflect a sober reality: the U.S. cannot afford to fuel the military rise of its chief strategic rival.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 29 May 2025
As admirably rendered by the translator Ross Benjamin, Kehlmann’s style is sober and matter of fact, the sentences straightforward, undecorated by colorful words or difficult syntax.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
In one heartbreaking scene, after seven months sober, Mike takes some ketamine with his girlfriend and her parents and is dancing and having a joyous time.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sober
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sober
Adjective
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That tally was also his 10th of the postseason, marking the third straight year he’s reached that mark.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
-
In the second set, Gauff raced out to a quick lead, winning 10 straight points to go up 2-0.—
Adam Zagoria,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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But there’s little logical argument for keeping him on.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
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This is a logical form of thinking in the sense that AGI as an intellectual mechanism would be unable to compete in jobs that involve hands-on work.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Only the buzz of Israeli drones overhead filled the solemn silence.—
Freddie Clayton,
NBC news,
7 June 2025
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The score becomes grand and syrupy whenever there’s a big emotional revelation; characters deliver solemn soliloquies on the orderly beauty of math.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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The drama division had been relatively quiet for a period but suddenly found its stride in the past year with a string of buzzy commissions that will now mostly air under new leadership.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
3 June 2025
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As romantic distractions fall away, the quiet also makes way for freedom.—
Faith Hill,
The Atlantic,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, narratives of Ayyappan usually describe him as a god raised as a human prince who becomes a warrior and finally an ascetic.—
Deepa Das Acevedo,
Foreign Affairs,
4 Apr. 2019
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This is especially clear in the contrast between Marcus Luria and his father, the ascetic sage Zalia Ziskind.—
Adam Kirsch,
The New Yorker,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Strain out the ice then add the ingredients back to the shaker for a vigorous dry shake to help build a rich foam.—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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Honey can also soothe those struggling with dry scalps or skin diseases such as eczema.—
Celeste Polanco,
Essence,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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LPs expect distributions within a reasonable timeframe.—
Ilona Limonta-Volkova,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
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Florida's attorney general can collect civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs, while minors can also pursue up to $10,000 in damages.—
Chloe Albanesius,
PC Magazine,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Sober.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sober. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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