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
The full eclipse, when the moon takes on an orangish or reddish color after slipping into the inner part of Earth's shadow, or umbra, should start roughly around 2:26 a.m.
—
John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Oct. 2024
Advertisement In this case, about 3.5% of the moon appeared darkened by the Earth’s umbra, a term that describes the darkest segment of the Earth’s shadow.
—Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2024
When that occurs, the umbra – the darkest portion of the Earth's shadow – covers only small fraction of the moon's surface.
—Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2024
In a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon passes through Earth's umbra, the darker, inner part of its shadow.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 11 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for umbra 
John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Oct. 2024
Advertisement In this case, about 3.5% of the moon appeared darkened by the Earth’s umbra, a term that describes the darkest segment of the Earth’s shadow.
—Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2024
When that occurs, the umbra – the darkest portion of the Earth's shadow – covers only small fraction of the moon's surface.
—Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2024
In a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon passes through Earth's umbra, the darker, inner part of its shadow.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 11 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for umbra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for umbra
Noun
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Find out if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow on Groundhog Day: Live How to watch Punxsutawney Phil's prediction When is Groundhog Day?—
Julia Gomez,
USA TODAY,
2 Feb. 2025
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This deal was created in the shadows and completely came out of nowhere with only a few days before the trade deadline.—
Matt Levine,
Newsweek,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In the dull, dank dark So where were the most diverse bacterial and archaeal populations?—
Elizabeth Rayne,
Ars Technica,
20 Jan. 2025
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Read Next National 19-year-old boogie boarder vanishes in dark off Oregon.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Miami Herald,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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For spring 2025, the edgy essential is back and in shades other than jet black.—
Laura Jackson,
Vogue,
31 Jan. 2025
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This super budget-friendly tube is a no-brainer in the classic British Red shade.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The pairing will persist from before sunset on into the depths of darkness.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
31 Jan. 2025
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With nothing but the light of her flashlight to lead the way, a California deputy desperately searched in darkness.—
Daniella Segura,
Sacramento Bee,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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These efforts were felt most strikingly on the beach at dinner, when dusk made the blinking lights on the opposite shoreline more apparent.—
Mary Holland,
Robb Report,
20 Jan. 2025
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Saturn, nearby, will become visible to the naked eye as dusk fades to darkness and remain observable for around three-and-a-half hours past sunset, at which point the pair will sink below the horizon and out of view.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Flaunt this fun, floral style, or opt for their best-selling classic black.—
Meg Donohue,
Town & Country,
31 Jan. 2023
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Take your pick from black to mocha to crisp, winter white.—
Taylor Jean Stephan,
Peoplemag,
31 Jan. 2023
Noun
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Shot in inky blackness, Kyle Edward Ball’s film taps into that primal childhood fear of calling out for your parents in the dark and hearing no reply.—
Gayle Sequeira,
Vulture,
20 Jan. 2025
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Instead of gentle concentric circles, gleaming finishes, or a mesmerizing light show, the ProArt P16 meets us with inky blackness.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
13 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Even with Verlander entering the twilight of his career, several fans expressed their excitement to see the future Hall of Famer.—
Justice delos Santos,
The Mercury News,
26 Jan. 2025
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Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce appeared to enter the twilight of his career this season as his production numbers took a downturn in his 12th season in the NFL.—
Ryan Gaydos,
Fox News,
16 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near umbra
Cite this Entry
“Umbra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/umbra. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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