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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 As Joel talks to Ellie, a different solemn moment unfolds in Salt Lake City, where the young survivors of Joel’s Firefly massacre bury their dead and try to figure out what happened. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2025 The show becomes more solemn (as anything with Dying in the title should) and quite moving. Dory Jackson, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025 In a solemn message, Dominican President Luis Abinader addressed the nation’s grief. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 9 Apr. 2025 In Ireland, however, St. Patrick’s Day remained a solemn day of observance with little revelry. Bryan McGovern, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solemn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemn
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
Adjective
  • Could this cause some serious anxiety, or even an existential crisis?
    Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The Mets’ prospects with experience in center field need more time in the minors before they can be considered serious options.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There's an eclectic mix of jazz, big sweeping orchestral pieces, high energy electric guitars, and quiet, somber piano tunes.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • President Donald Trump is set to address the annual White House Easter Egg Roll hours after the death of Pope Francis, making for a somber backdrop for the light-hearted, kid-friendly affair.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Over time, inhaling these harmful chemicals can contribute to progressive lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to Sanjay Sethi, MD, SUNY distinguished professor and chief of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the University at Buffalo.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Palmer was just one of several celebrities and distinguished guests who attended the Fashion Trust Awards on Tuesday.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Raid 2, for instance, a two and a half hour crime and punishment epic, boils down to one man’s struggle to win the approval of his stern father; whether this is significant to Evans’ life or not, the motif nonetheless transitions cleanly into Havoc.
    Andy Crump, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has issued a stern warning about a predatory fish that can grow up to 3 feet long, slither across land and breathe air.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The observations from Drewry’s and Moody’s, as well as the scenario floated by McCown, follow a bleak outlook for the middle of May out of the biggest port in the U.S.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Complicating matters further is a bleak hydrological outlook.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • With Good Night, and Good Luck, Clooney and his collaborators give a dignified and resonant answer.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
  • According to a 2020 HuffPost report, Trump was present at only four of the 96 dignified transfers that occurred during his first term.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This will prevent them from losing the deposit paid to take the house off the market, also known as earnest money.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The episode starts in earnest with final runway looks.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Solemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemn. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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