1
as in shadows
a time or place of little or no light
strange noises were coming from the wooded umbra beyond our campfire
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2
as in shadow
partial darkness due to the obstruction of light rays
during a solar eclipse observers located within the umbra experience a complete blocking of the sun by the moon
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Recent Examples of umbra
During a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon falls within the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra.
—
Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The first and innermost darkest shadow is called the umbra (pronounced UM bruh).
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 13 Mar. 2025
After about an hour, a partial eclipse will begin that will be visible to all U.S. residents across the country, followed by the total lunar eclipse beginning when the moon is fully in the Earth’s umbra and turns a coppery red around 2:30 a.m. ET.
—Nick Jachim, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2025
In a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon falls within the darkest part of Earth's shadow, called the umbra.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for umbra
Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The first and innermost darkest shadow is called the umbra (pronounced UM bruh).
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 13 Mar. 2025
After about an hour, a partial eclipse will begin that will be visible to all U.S. residents across the country, followed by the total lunar eclipse beginning when the moon is fully in the Earth’s umbra and turns a coppery red around 2:30 a.m. ET.
—Nick Jachim, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2025
In a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon falls within the darkest part of Earth's shadow, called the umbra.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for umbra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for umbra
Noun
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Without decisive action, the shadow empire may soon eclipse its legal counterpart entirely.—
Boaz Sobrado,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Dust obscures light emitted from behind it, creating a shadow effect called dust lanes.—
Rebecca McClain,
Space.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
While their peak nights won't arrive until July 30, these twin displays will slowly build throughout the second half of July, making Sunday the first real chance to catch a shooting star after dark this summer since the Bootids meteor shower in late June.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
The chocolate is a custom blend of milk and dark that gives it a sharper flavor.—
David Hudnall,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
Emma Stone wears shades paired with a baseball jersey while walking on the field after the San Diego Padres played the New York Mets at PetCo Park in San Diego on July 30.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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Kids line up here for scoops and floats, while parents enjoy the shade at outdoor picnic tables or on the roof overlooking the water.—
Katherine Lawless,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Education is about leading someone out of ignorance, out of darkness.—
Jon-Michael Banks,
Kansas City Star,
30 July 2025
-
Unsettling and lovely at once, this horror novella is a razor-sharp and bewitching fairytale about discovering the darkness in the world, as well as the darkness within oneself.—
Kalie Cassidy
July 25,
Literary Hub,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
Avoid the outdoors during peak mosquito activity hours surrounding dawn and dusk.—
Molly Guthrey,
Twin Cities,
25 July 2025
-
However, people should avoid swimming at dawn or dusk and avoid swimming near people fishing.—
Irit Skulnik,
Baltimore Sun,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
Flaunt this fun, floral style, or opt for their best-selling classic black.—
Meg Donohue,
Town & Country,
31 Jan. 2023
-
Take your pick from black to mocha to crisp, winter white.—
Taylor Jean Stephan,
Peoplemag,
31 Jan. 2023
Noun
-
That experience includes a few minutes of weightlessness and great views of Earth against the blackness of space, from an altitude of more than 62 miles (100 kilometers).—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
22 July 2025
-
The Atacama Desert is known for the inky blackness of its nights, and is considered one of the best on Earth for stargazing.—
Carley Rojas Ávila,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
Noun
-
If Messi and teammate Jordi Alba skip the event and avoid immediate sanctions, as early reporting from ESPN suggests, what is to coerce Kylian Mbappe 10 years or Lamine Yamal 20 years from now in the twilight of their careers?—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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At the moment of reappearance, the sun will be about 11 degrees below the horizon, meaning Maia should reappear in a twilight sky.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Umbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbra. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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