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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sober
Caine is regarded as a sober, moderate voice when reporting the results of military operations.
—
L. Sue Baugh, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 May 2026
But to even start that journey requires an agonizing, sober look in the mirror.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
And his pugnacious talk sounds quite a bit more like American politics than sober debates about the future of technology.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 18 May 2026
Vargas allegedly remained sober, the woman told police.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sober
L. Sue Baugh, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 May 2026
But to even start that journey requires an agonizing, sober look in the mirror.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
And his pugnacious talk sounds quite a bit more like American politics than sober debates about the future of technology.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 18 May 2026
Vargas allegedly remained sober, the woman told police.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sober
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sober
Adjective
-
That mugshot—with her straight dark hair, motorcycle jacket, and flat, defiant stare—would come to represent a nation, and generation, in crisis; a startling declaration that America’s own sons and daughters had turned violently against their country.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
-
The Sparks were determined to end a season-opening four-game homestand with their second straight win against Toronto.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Work with that element of chance because learning to enjoy embracing—working with it—is fun and fun isn’t logical, and logic isn’t always your ally in that initial stage of creation.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
Claiming early—at 62—to generate income to service debt might seem logical but typically costs significantly more over the long run than delaying to 70 and paying down debt from other sources in the interim.—
Jason Kirsch,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
The annual solemn ceremony was a kickoff to Patriot Week.—
Paul Burton,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
-
Despite the crowds, the rousing music, and the excitement, Washington’s departure was a solemn affair, freighted by the stunning fact that the American colonies were now truly at war with the British Empire.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Biltmore is polished, quiet, and—despite its size—manages not to feel at all intimidating.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
-
My occupations have given me a happy, humble, quiet life, but always nagging in the back of my mind has been a case of impostor syndrome.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
The overall aesthetic was slightly ascetic without being spartan—a pale, neutral color palette; simple, modern furniture; a few pieces of abstract art.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The first follows the Rajput king Ratansen of Chitor (a fortress in what is now Chittorgarh, Rajasthan), who renounces his throne and travels as a yogi (wandering ascetic) to the island kingdom of Simhal to win the legendary Padmavati.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
If the spring season is too dry, flowers and trees cut back on nectar production, causing bees to go hungry.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
20 May 2026
-
Whipping winds can quickly spread the flames, and with the dry brush blanketing hills across South Orange County, minutes matter.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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In a debate for the Democratic nomination for the Senate in Iowa this month, one of the moderators, Erin Murphy, asked the candidates, Josh Turek and Zach Wahls, both state legislators, a reasonable, if downbeat, question.—
Amy Davidson Sorkin,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
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The tuition payments may be a gift presented without strings, but there are still plenty of reasonable expectations that come with a college education.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
Adjective
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The number of teams and bowls involved could shift as discussions become more serious.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
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The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny over e-bikes and e-motorcycles across Southern California following several serious and fatal crashes involving young riders.—
Sydney Barragan,
Oc Register,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sober.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sober. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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