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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of umbra
During the early morning hours, the full moon will gradually slip behind the darkest part of the Earth's shadow, or umbra, and take on a reddish hue.
—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
1 Mar. 2026
During this event, the entire moon passes through the Earth's umbra (the darkest part of its shadow), causing the moon to appear darkened or reddened.
—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
26 Feb. 2026
Totality ends and the process reverses, with the umbra gradually retreating across the lunar surface.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
The umbra is the inner, darker shadow, where sunlight is fully blocked from reaching the Moon’s surface.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for umbra
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
1 Mar. 2026
During this event, the entire moon passes through the Earth's umbra (the darkest part of its shadow), causing the moon to appear darkened or reddened.
—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
26 Feb. 2026
Totality ends and the process reverses, with the umbra gradually retreating across the lunar surface.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
The umbra is the inner, darker shadow, where sunlight is fully blocked from reaching the Moon’s surface.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for umbra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for umbra
Noun
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Dark figures were darting through the shadows—Germans were carrying sacks and pillows to their building.
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Reflections, shadows and motion blur can all reduce detection confidence.
Noun
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Squirrel monkeys—a petite, chirruping, tree-climbing species whose dark muzzle gives the impression of permanent 5 o’clock shadow—have to deal with that proportional dilemma, too.
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Reflections, shadows and motion blur can all reduce detection confidence.
Noun
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Even an aggressive plaintiff would know that lingering past dark wouldn’t go over well in court.
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News of a glow-in-the-dark Nike Air Foamposite Pro first materialized in November, with early reports of a Summit White/Black colorway enhanced with the glowing treatment.
Noun
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Along with the main shades in the lineup, there are seven color-correcting options that neutralize, brighten, and leave skin looking more refined.
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The only figure, man or woman, not shown wearing identical American-flag blue is the poet Phillis Wheatley, who wears a pastel shade and who also happens to be the only Black person featured in the gallery.
Noun
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As darkness settled over Washington Square Park, supporters formed circles, waved Ghanaian flags and continued singing Jama into the evening.
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Or perhaps more accurately, like a gleeful romp with friends through a haunted-house attraction at a regional fair, with various creepy creatures leaping suddenly out of the darkness.
Noun
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Over 82 nights in April, May, September and October, researchers interviewed visitors after dusk at campgrounds, scenic overlooks and parking areas.
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Arrive before dusk and marvel at the biggest fireworks display in the region.
Noun
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There are two paint options – blue and two-tone orange-and-black.
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Rural areas suffer more than urban; blacks and other minorities have worse outcomes than whites.
Noun
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Experts say that the biggest challenge at that extreme level of blackness is actually measuring it.
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In the restaurant, my dad looked at me with the passionate conviction of a man who was confident in his Blackness and wanted nothing more than to pass it on.
Cite this Entry
“Umbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbra. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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