View synonyms for somber

somber

[ som-ber ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

gloomily dark; shadowy; dimly lighted:
a somber passageway.
Synonyms: sunless, murky, dusky
Antonyms: bright
dark and dull, as color, or as things in respect to color:
a somber dress.
gloomy, depressing, or dismal:
a somber mood.
Synonyms: melancholy, doleful, mournful, lugubrious
Antonyms: cheerful
extremely serious; grave:
a somber expression on his face.

Discover More

Other Words From

somber·ly adverb
somber·ness noun
un·somber adjective
un·somber·ly adverb
un·somber·ness noun

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of somber¹

First recorded in 1750–60; from French, Middle French sombre, probably noun derivative of sombrer (unrecorded) “to make shady,” from Vulgar Latin subumbrāre (unrecorded), from Latin sub- sub- + umbrāre “to cast a shadow” (derivative of umbra “shade, shadow”)

Discover More

Example Sentences

“Lonely Planet Boy,” a more somber acoustic ballad, and bluesy “Looking For A Kiss” showed a genuine range and close study of rock history.

From Los Angeles Times

When I got into wardrobe, the energy was very somber.

From Los Angeles Times

“I feel pride that I sacrificed, that I gave for this path,” she said, her voice somber but firm.

From Los Angeles Times

Days before the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainians are as somber and tense as they were right before Moscow launched the war.

From Los Angeles Times

It was somber and moody, a throwback that reminded viewers that enjoying old-school songwriting and performance styles doesn’t necessarily mean your morals have to be antiquated, too.

From Salon

Related Words

somatotype sombre

Browse