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 Memorial Day once was dedicated to the solemn acknowledgments of soldiers who gave all for their countries. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025 Those soldiers were carrying out a solemn duty that had not always been performed. —Elaine Quijano, CBS News, 25 May 2025 President Donald Trump delivered a history-laden Memorial Day speech after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, his remarks echoing against the solemn backdrop of Arlington National Cemetery, final resting place of more than 400,000 veterans and their family members. —Davis Winkie, USA Today, 27 May 2025 Easter can be a solemn event, but only the few days before. —Arkansas Online, 26 May 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
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    — Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • 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
Definition of imposing
Adjective
  • 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
  • Nobody else can do what Isak does, but Newcastle lack serious backup at centre-forward.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • The somber financial picture leaves the city caught between cutting services to the public and finding a way to raise money.
    — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
  • The incident caused a somber scene near home plate, as Yankees teammates, coaches and personnel huddled around the always-affable 26-year-old before an ambulance took him off the field and to a nearby hospital.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
Definition of somber
Adjective
  • Today, that distinguished tradition continues, with the distillery's current leadership or their cadre of seasoned master tasters personally vetting these casks.
    — Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • It’s been a long time since Florida’s university system was put to such disgrace as the Board of Governors did Tuesday in rejecting the distinguished scholar Santa Ono as the lone finalist for president of the University of Florida.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • It’s submerged 11 to 15 feet deep, with its stern facing the shore.
    — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2025
  • Tonight: Explore! TAURUS (April 20-May 20) ★★★ Avoid arguments with others today, which might arise with Mercury in your House of Communications at odds with stern Saturn.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 9 June 2025
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • The somewhat bleak outlook was laid bare Tuesday night after the USMNT was thrashed 4-0 by Switzerland during a friendly in Nashville.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 June 2025
  • Instead of learning from this bleak recent history, Americans are now painfully absorbing this lesson by repeating it.
    — Jonathan Haskel, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2025
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • Now, the Redditor is wondering if his response to his sister’s previous treatment toward his dog could be dignified.
    — Ashley Vega, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • Mobile home parks offer an affordable and dignified housing option There are dozens of mobile home communities in Emma, a hilly wooded community west of Asheville.
    — Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 2 June 2025
Definition of dignified
Adjective
  • Her brand is too earnest to accommodate irony or camp.
    — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
  • The problem is that Flanagan—known for eerie but subtle horror films like Hush and Oculus and Netflix series like Midnight Mass and The Haunting of Hill House—puts too many overly earnest quotation marks around what should be the most moving scenes.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 June 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 19 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of solemn for Spanish Speakers

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