solemn

adjective

ˈsä-ləm How to pronounce solemn (audio)
Definition of solemnnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word solemn different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of solemn are earnest, grave, sedate, serious, sober, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

When is it sensible to use earnest instead of solemn?

While the synonyms earnest and solemn are close in meaning, earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

When might grave be a better fit than solemn?

While in some cases nearly identical to solemn, grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.

read the proclamation in a grave voice

When would sedate be a good substitute for solemn?

Although the words sedate and solemn have much in common, sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

Where would serious be a reasonable alternative to solemn?

In some situations, the words serious and solemn are roughly equivalent. However, serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

In what contexts can sober take the place of solemn?

The words sober and solemn can be used in similar contexts, but sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When could staid be used to replace solemn?

The words staid and solemn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.

a quiet and staid community

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of solemn The man from Osaka’s right arm is almost mystic, like one of California’s solemn redwoods. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025 Eugene, serious and somewhat solemn, had been listening with bemusement. —Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 Its fun-first identity is part of the draw in a market flooded with solemn storytelling and dusty barrels. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 Moderator Whoopi Goldberg opened the show with a solemn acknowledgment of the disaster, urging viewers in affected areas to stay safe and tune in for information on how to help. —Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for solemn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemn
  1. imposing
  2. serious
  3. somber
  4. distinguished
  5. stern
  6. bleak
  7. dignified
  8. earnest
Adjective
  • Proposals ranged from turning the block into a public pavilion to adding a fabric facade around the current building to give it a less imposing look.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 19 July 2025
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    — Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Definition of imposing
Adjective
  • This surge in extreme heat drives up energy demand and poses serious health risks to vulnerable populations.
    — Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Surgeries or procedures to prevent aneurysm rupture also carry serious risks.
    — Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 23 July 2025
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • In Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s energetic capital, golden spires of the Royal Palace gleam above the river, while visits to the Killing Fields reveal the city’s somber history.
    — Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • The convention, originally planned as a celebratory coronation, transformed into a tense, somber, and ultimately pivotal gathering.
    — Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Definition of somber
Adjective
  • The organizers of the 2024 Games in Paris allowed some of that city’s most distinguished landmarks to be utilized as part of the spectacle.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 July 2025
  • With contributions spanning nearly three-decades in public education, Janicek has established a distinguished track record of innovative leadership, strategic foresight, and unparalleled community engagement, the news release stated.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 July 2025
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • But she and the remaining Storm family members are swept up into an inheritance game – her father’s last wish, organized by her father’s stern, handsome right-hand man.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 31 July 2025
  • John Doman, a seasoned TV actor whose work has included guest arcs on ER and Oz, got his first long-term gig with his role as the stern Deputy Rawls on The Wire.
    — Derek Lawrence, EW.com, 29 July 2025
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • Morale among agency staff is bleak, according to one CDC official who spoke on the condition that they not be named for fear of reprisals.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
  • Many people were concerned about their financial situation, as the overall economic outlook was bleak.
    — Rocky Sharma, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • Everyone deserves a safe and dignified birth, not only for the birthing people but also for the providers.
    — Christina Montoya Fiedler, Parents, 22 July 2025
  • Without Medicaid, many disabled Americans literally could not even get out of bed, let alone find employment and live full, dignified lives.
    — Josh Turek, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Definition of dignified
Adjective
  • There are many earnest, unpretentious reasons to be a regular reader, from stepping into someone else’s shoes to escaping from the stress of day-to-day life.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
  • With the beginning of the 2025 NFL preseason comes another earnest campaign — the fantasy football draft season.
    — Gary Davenport, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Definition of earnest

Browse Nearby Words

solely
solemn
solemnities
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Cite this Entry

“Solemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemn. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of solemn for Spanish Speakers

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