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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 And on the sidelines of that solemn occasion, world leaders were coming together to push for peace in Ukraine. ABC News, 27 Apr. 2025 Pope Francis’ funeral will be a solemn occasion, steeped in Roman Catholic pageantry, to bid farewell to a pontiff who led the church for over a decade. Emma Bubola, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 President Trump Makes His Entrance At Pope Francis' Funeral By Emma Marsden Freelance News Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 7 Pope Francis' funeral took place in a solemn ceremony at the Vatican on Saturday, drawing hundreds of thousands of mourners from around the world. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025 And when public figures die, the resulting rituals can sit awkwardly between a solemn, respectful wake and a chance to personally capture a moment in history. Issy Ronald and Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 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
  • The dearth of serious voting impediments is long-standing finding in polls.
    Karlyn Bowman, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • Increasingly, however, the interviews that are the bedrock of film coverage are fewer, shorter and more lightweight, often to the point of being useless for anyone trying to write a serious piece.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Rayburn partners up with local sheriff Alice Gustafson (Annabelle Wallis) in a somber yet tumultuous pursuit of a killer who uses brutal traps and primal tactics.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • That’s the question writer-director Ari Aster’s somber comedy-Western Eddington, playing in competition here at the Cannes Film Festival, appears to be asking.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Udit Mehrotra is a distinguished product leader who currently serves as Head of Product Management for Customer Experience at Amazon Canada.
    Udit Mehrotra, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • Cruise will be honoured by the BFI on Monday with the awarding of a distinguished BFI Fellowship.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • The president shared no caption alongside the image, which depicts him sitting with a stern expression and holding up one finger while wearing white and gold papal attire, including a large cross necklace.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 3 May 2025
  • However, none will have criminal records after their cases are adjudicated, under a deal the district attorney offered during a stern press conference on Tuesday.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • This bleak vision of Hollywood makes for a fascinating backdrop.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
  • If Southampton fail to eke out a point on Saturday in the clash of the doomed, things look decidedly bleak.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Catholic social teaching affirms the right of individuals to migrate in pursuit of safety and a dignified life.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 12 May 2025
  • Downey emphasized the importance of designing shelters that are dignified and senior-friendly, while Cardenas described how Alpha Project customizes its services to meet the diverse needs of families and individuals facing complex health conditions.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • There is enough meat here for more than one earnest debate-play, but mercifully, Rosenbatt hasn’t written it.
    David Benedict, Variety, 7 May 2025
  • But beneath the surface of earnest mission statements and polished annual reports lies one of the least discussed yet most urgent crises in American healthcare: the deteriorating financial health of nonprofit regional health plans.
    Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Solemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemn. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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