Solemn Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
Solemn Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
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solemn
adjective
sol·emn
ˈsä-ləm
Synonyms of solemn
1
: marked by the invocation of a religious sanction
a solemn oath
2
: marked by the observance of established form or ceremony
specifically
: celebrated with full liturgical ceremony
3
a
: awe-inspiring : sublime
solemn beauty
b
: marked by grave sedateness and earnest sobriety
a solemn gathering
c
: somber, gloomy
a solemn gray building
solemnly
adverb
solemnness
noun
Synonyms
august
dignified
distingué
distinguished
imposing
portly
staid
stately
See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for solemn
serious, grave, solemn, sedate, staid, sober, earnest mean not light or frivolous. serious implies a concern for what really matters.
a serious play about social injustice
grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.
read the proclamation in a grave voice
solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.
a sad and solemn occasion
sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.
remained sedate amid the commotion
staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.
a quiet and staid community
sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.
a sober look at the state of our schools
earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.
an earnest reformer
Examples of solemn in a Sentence
The women running the office where I was given immunizations and completed more paperwork said they had a young friend back in the District who would love my British accent. They were going to call her this very instant, they teased, and then I'd have a companion for the evening. They also talked in more solemn tones about all the brave men and women who came through the base and then shipped off to Iraq.
—Willem Marx, Harper's, September 2006
Caesar was slaughtered in a sanctified space, his body was sacrosanct since he held the position of supreme pontiff, and his assassins had recently taken a solemn oath to protect his life with their own. Yet none of this seems to have figured prominently in the charges that were laid against his killers.
—Robert Garland, History Today, February 2004
The testimony may well have had serious judicial consequences, even lethal ones, but its style is so glum and flat-footed that it gives an impression not of solemn majesty but of grotesque comedy …
—Jonathan Ree, Times Literary Supplement, 13 Aug. 2004
To the vast majority of people in this Muslim nation of 145 million, Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance, not war and hatred. It requires that women dress modestly, but not make themselves invisible. Its mosques are solemn and silent, but its shrines are relaxed and colorful. Its liturgy says Islam should be spread by persuasion, not by force …
—Pamela Constable, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2001
He spoke in a solemn and thoughtful manner.
He wore a very solemn expression on his face.
He recited the poem in a solemn voice.
A solemn crowd gathered around the grave.
We made a solemn promise to love each other forever.
See More
Recent Examples on the Web
The funeral march is solemn yet persistent with buoyant klezmer moments, while the shimmering Adagietto, though beautiful, is more distressing.
—Gia Kourlas, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024
The pop approach to music and politics is no less solemn than the lugubrious 1982 biopic Gandhi.
—Armond White, National Review, 16 Feb. 2024
Penned over three centuries ago by English philosopher John Locke, these words serve as a solemn reminder to everyone entering the Supreme Court’s chambers.
—Natalie Hudson, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2024
The families of the fallen watched the solemn event from a small area out of view from the cameras, where seats were arranged for them.
—Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 2 Feb. 2024
After ordering his troops to invade Ukraine in February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a solemn promise that young men performing compulsory military duty would not be sent to fight.
—Natalia Abbakumova, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2024
Outside Gesù Church in downtown Miami, sirens blared and horns honked in their usual weekday fashion but inside, hundreds of Catholics practiced the solemn ritual of Ash Wednesday.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2024
At the front of the station, a wall of reporters greeted Lee, who appeared tense and solemn — a sharp departure from his public image of clean-cut, jaunty wholesomeness.
—Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2024
The solemn performance moved many of the attendees to tears as the cameras panned to artists like Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé, who joined the crowd in jumping to their feet the moment Mitchell was done.
—Moises Mendez Ii, TIME, 5 Feb. 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'solemn.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English solempne, from Anglo-French, from Latin sollemnis regularly appointed, solemn
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of solemn was
in the 14th century
See more words from the same century
Phrases Containing solemn
solemn mass
solemn vow
Dictionary Entries Near solemn
solely
solemn
solemn form
See More Nearby Entries
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Merriam-Webster
“Solemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solemn. Accessed 12 Mar. 2024.
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Kids Definition
solemn
adjective
sol·emn
ˈsäl-əm
: being serious and dignified in appearance or behavior
solemnity
sə-ˈlem-nət-ē
noun
solemnly
ˈsäl-əm-lē
adverb
More from Merriam-Webster on solemn
Nglish: Translation of solemn for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of solemn for Arabic Speakers
Last Updated:
4 Mar 2024
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SOLEMN | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
SOLEMN | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
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English
Meaning of solemn in English
solemnadjective uk
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/ˈsɒl.əm/ us
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/ˈsɑː.ləm/
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serious and without any humour: a solemn face/voice solemn music Everyone looked very solemn.
Thesaurus: synonyms, antonyms, and examples
lacking humour and not meant to be funnyseriousShe had a serious look on her face.earnestAt that time he was an earnest young environmental activist.soberThe mood of the gathering was sober and reflective.sombreUK Since their colleague died there has been a very sombre atmosphere in the office.solemnThe two men fell silent, their faces solemn.
See more results »
solemn promise, commitment, undertaking, etc.
an agreement that you make in a serious way and expect to keep: I'd made a solemn promise and I was determined to keep it.
See more
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Lacking humour
a laugh a minute idiom
be no laughing matter idiom
beyond
beyond a joke idiom
earnestly
earnestness
humourless
humourlessly
intense
lightly
saturnine
sober
soberly
solemnity
sombrely
sombreness
straight-facedly
turgid
turgidity
turgidly
See more results »
Related word
solemnly
(Definition of solemn from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
solemn | American Dictionary
solemnadjective us
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/ˈsɑl·əm/
Add to word list
Add to word list
having or showing serious purpose and determination: He looked stern and solemn, and rarely spoke. The memorial was a very solemn occasion.
solemnity noun [ U ] us
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/səˈlem·nɪ·t̬i/
There was an air of solemnity in the room.
solemnly adverb us
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/ˈsɑl·əm·li/
Borden solemnly promised that he would take care of it.
(Definition of solemn from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
Examples of solemn
solemn
With such a stodgy and foreboding appearance, it is hard for us to imagine that exciting events might transpire within those solemn chambers.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
The political mission for the solemn and stern military historian, the ancient topography for the eager and eclectic practitioner concerned with the history of archaeology?
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Both the ladies wept; and to us all it was a sad and solemn leave-taking.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
With regard to the second, it might often be right to make a solemn declaration.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Moreover, a solemn protest against it was signed, it is said, by 11,000 members of the clergy and 137,000 laymen.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
The women's choir takes a solemn approach to the chant using semiological principles.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
The first has a slow, solemn quality; the second has more facility in its manner, more delicacy in its forms.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Crucial details in this music make it more than just ceremonious and solemn, make it tell us something about the society we see on stage.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Making decisions more solemn is a related strategy.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
The speaker per forms the speech act in a serious mood, and the par ticipants become solemn.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
42 years ago, we also made a solemn oath - to always preserve our freedom and protect the future of our children.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Both of them key to a solemn and serious mood.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
The ' tender and solemn ' proceedings, according to another journalist, deeply impressed spectators.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
In a world of masculine bonds, where other kinds of bond are considered worthless, the show of feeling towards women in this solemn hour cannot be forgiven.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
The witness took a solemn oath.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
See all examples of solemn
These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.
What is the pronunciation of solemn?
A1
Translations of solemn
in Chinese (Traditional)
莊嚴的，嚴肅的…
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in Chinese (Simplified)
庄严的，严肃的…
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in Spanish
solemne, solemne [masculine-feminine, singular]…
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in Portuguese
solene…
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in more languages
in Japanese
in Turkish
in French
in Catalan
in Dutch
in Danish
in Swedish
in Malay
in German
in Norwegian
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in Arabic
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in Polish
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in Italian
厳粛な, 重々しい, まじめな…
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vakur, ciddi, ağırbaşlı…
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solennel/-elle, grave, solennel…
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solemne…
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ernstig, plechtig…
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alvorlig, højtidelig…
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allvarlig, högtidlig…
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serius, takzim…
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ernst, feierlich…
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høytidelig, høytidsstemt, alvorlig…
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поважний, серйозний, урочистий…
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серьезный, торжественный…
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مَهيب…
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vážný, slavnostní…
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serius, khidmat…
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เอาจริงเอาจัง, เป็นทางการ, ถูกพิธีรีตอง…
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uy nghi, uy nghiêm, long trọng…
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uroczysty, poważny…
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근엄한, 침통한…
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solenne, serio…
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solecism
-soled
solei
solely
solemn
solemn promise, commitment, undertaking, etc. phrase
solemnities phrase
solemnity
solemnization
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solemn promise, commitment, undertaking, etc. phrase
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solemn promise, commitment, undertaking, etc. phrase
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Contents
English
Adjective
solemn
solemn promise, commitment, undertaking, etc.
American
Adjective
solemn
Noun
solemnity
Adverb
solemnly
Examples
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SOLEMN Definition & Usage Examples | Dictionary.com
SOLEMN Definition & Usage Examples | Dictionary.com
GamesDaily CrosswordWord PuzzleWord FinderAll gamesFeaturedWord of the DaySynonym of the DayWord of the YearNew wordsLanguage storiesAll featuredPop cultureSlangEmojiMemesAcronymsGender and sexualityAll pop cultureWriting tipsGrammar Coach™Writing hubGrammar essentialsCommonly confusedAll writing tipsGamesFeaturedPop cultureWriting tipssolemn[ sol-uhm ]show ipaSee synonyms for: solemnsolemnlysolemnness on Thesaurus.comadjectivegrave, sober, or mirthless, as a person, the face, speech, tone, or mood: solemn remarks.gravely or somberly impressive; causing serious thoughts or a grave mood: solemn music.serious or earnest: solemn assurances.characterized by dignified or serious formality, as proceedings; of a formal or ceremonious character: a solemn occasion.made in due legal or other express form, as a declaration or agreement: a solemn oath.marked or observed with religious rites; having a religious character: a solemn holy day.uttered, prescribed, or made according to religious forms: a solemn ban on sacrifice.See moreOrigin of solemn1First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English solem(p)ne, from Old French or directly from Late Latin sōlennis, sōlempnis, Latin sōlemnis, variant of sollemnis “consecrated, holy,” derivative of sollus “whole”synonym study For solemn1. See grave2. word story For solemnThe English solemn ultimately comes from the Latin adjective sollemnis “performed or celebrated according to correct religious forms.” Sollemnis has no secure etymology, but the Romans themselves thought that it came from the adjectives sollus “whole, complete” and a derivative adjective formed from the noun annus “year,” and therefore interpreted sollemnis as meaning “taking place every year, annual.” In English, the extension of solemn from applying to rites, ceremonies, holy days, or oaths to nonreligious actions or feelings arose in the mid-15th century. One imagines early religious rites and ceremonies as being (like modern ones) serious and reverential affairs, and that the individuals performing or participating in them did so with a corresponding grave and serious demeanor. So it is not hard to see how the current sense of "grave, sober, or mirthless" developed: applying first to the people who participated in religious rites, and then losing the connection with the rites themselves.Other words for solemn1 unsmiling, serious 2 august, imposing, stately 4 ritual, ceremonial 6 devotional, sacredSee synonyms for solemn on Thesaurus.comOpposites for solemn1 humorous 2 trivialSee antonyms for solemn on Thesaurus.comOther words from solemnsol·emn·ly, adverbsol·emn·ness, nouno·ver·sol·emn, adjectiveo·ver·sol·emn·ness, nounsem·i·sol·emn, adjectivesem·i·sol·emn·ness, nounsu·per·sol·emn, adjectivesu·per·sol·emn·ness, nounun·sol·emn, adjectiveun·sol·emn·ness, nounWords Nearby solemnsolesole-charge schoolsolecismsole custodysolelysolemnSolemn High MasssolemnifysolemnitysolemnizeSolemn League and CovenantDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024How to use solemn in a sentenceThis not-so-solemn memento is characteristic of Target Gallery’s 18-artist “A Year In,” a 2020-2021 time capsule curated by Nancy Daly.In the galleries: Sequence of photographs creates a graphic continuity | Mark Jenkins | August 27, 2021 | Washington PostThe officers were told there would be a ceremony at halftime, Fanone says—a solemn procession of honor and reverence, the sort of thing we do to create heroes in America.What Mike Fanone Can't Forget | Molly Ball | August 5, 2021 | TimeAs elected lawmakers, we have a solemn duty and obligation to develop and enact policies that will permanently end the unhoused crisis.I Lived in My Car and Now I’m in Congress. We Need to Solve America’s Housing Crisis. | Cori Bush | July 30, 2021 | TimeIt was an impromptu, solemn gesture to acknowledge racial inequalities in America.How do Americans feel about the anthem at sporting events? It depends which Americans you ask. | Michael Lee, Scott Clement, Emily Guskin | May 21, 2021 | Washington PostThere’s an inherent goofiness to dog clothing that could seem disrespectful at solemn events, for instance, or professional workplaces.The Case for Dressing Your Dog in Goofy Outfits | Blair Braverman | April 11, 2021 | Outside OnlineThey stood in a single row, united by solemn respect as the Liu family remained inside.Funeral Protest Is Too Much for NYPD Union Boss | Michael Daly | January 5, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTSomewhat coyly, Skidmore admits that “Richard was to break this solemn vow in spectacular style.”Three Dicks: Cheney, Nixon, Richard III and the Art of Reputation Rehab | Clive Irving | July 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe parade was solemn, with reverent music and the call-and-response singing of two choirs.The First Americans to Observe the 4th Were Moravian Pacifists | Linda C. Brinson | July 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTNo putdowns, no jokes, no frivolity whatever—he was most solemn and his eyes focused somewhere far beyond the back of my head.What It Was Like to Watch the Beatles Become the Beatles—Nik Cohn Remembers | Nik Cohn | February 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThird, he started writing Indian-style songs, all curry powder and souvenirs from the Taj Mahal, very solemn.What It Was Like to Watch the Beatles Become the Beatles—Nik Cohn Remembers | Nik Cohn | February 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTJoe looked at her with a smile, his face still solemn and serious for all its youth and the fires of new-lit hope behind his eyes.The Bondboy | George W. (George Washington) OgdenSo he bore down on the solemn declaration that she stood face to face with a prison term for perjury.The Bondboy | George W. (George Washington) OgdenThey were just about to celebrate tabagie, or a solemn feast, over his last farewell.The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614 | VariousPlease advise the surrender as soon as possible in order to give due and solemn publicity to the event.The Philippine Islands | John ForemanThe upraised hand, the potent silence, the solemn gaze of a hundred eyes was too much for the old man to bear.The Soldier of the Valley | Nelson LloydSee More ExamplesBritish Dictionary definitions for solemnsolemn/ (ˈsɒləm) /adjectivecharacterized or marked by seriousness or sincerity: a solemn vowcharacterized by pomp, ceremony, or formalityserious, glum, or pompousinspiring awe: a solemn occasionperformed with religious ceremonygloomy or sombre: solemn coloursSee moreOrigin of solemn1C14: from Old French solempne, from Latin sōllemnis appointed, perhaps from sollus wholeDerived forms of solemnsolemnly, adverbsolemnness or solemness, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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SOLEMN | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
SOLEMN | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
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Meaning of solemn in English
solemnadjective us
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/ˈsɑː.ləm/ uk
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/ˈsɒl.əm/
Add to word list
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serious and without any humor: a solemn face/voice solemn music Everyone looked very solemn.
Thesaurus: synonyms, antonyms, and examples
lacking humor and not meant to be funnyseriousShe had a serious look on her face.earnestAt that time he was an earnest young environmental activist.soberThe mood of the gathering was sober and reflective.somberUS Since their colleague died there has been a very somber atmosphere in the office.solemnThe two men fell silent, their faces solemn.
See more results »
solemn promise, commitment, undertaking, etc.
an agreement that you make in a serious way and expect to keep: I'd made a solemn promise and I was determined to keep it.
See more
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Lacking humor
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solemnly
(Definition of solemn from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
solemn | Intermediate English
solemnadjective us
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/ˈsɑl·əm/
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having or showing serious purpose and determination: He looked stern and solemn, and rarely spoke. The memorial was a very solemn occasion.
solemnity noun [ U ] us
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/səˈlem·nɪ·t̬i/
There was an air of solemnity in the room.
solemnly adverb us
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/ˈsɑl·əm·li/
Borden solemnly promised that he would take care of it.
(Definition of solemn from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
Examples of solemn
solemn
So what is it about this solemn, interspecies affair that so appeals to the masses?
From Huffington Post
Or do you think he is a traitor who broke the most solemn of oaths?
From Slate Magazine
They presented an image of solemn unity, punctuating his speech with the rustling of turning pages and rounds of light applause.
From Los Angeles Times
I like solemn, angular, creaky words, such as straitlaced, cantankerous, precuneus, valedictory.
From NPR
Holding that solemn tradition hostage in a game of kamikaze budget politics is reckless, irresponsible and playing with fire.
From Politico
He expertly alternates between lowering his voice to a solemn level and raising it for comedic effect.
From Business Insider
While solemn, the mood was at times celebratory.
From Los Angeles Times
They hope the space will inspire contemplative and solemn prayer.
From Los Angeles Times
The female campaign staffers were dressed in solemn black.
From CBS News
You wouldn't know it from their solemn expressions, but these two were a love match.
From TIME
It is at times of tragedy, grief and the solemn expression of national purpose that the words of a president are assessed by history.
From Washington Post
The story is a solemn, straightforward representation of a serious, history-rich ritual.
From NPR
My most solemn responsibility as president was to protect the country.
From Huffington Post
The solemn reports did little to soothe two terrified siblings who just wanted to throw their arms around their dad.
From ESPN
I'll raise a solemn -- and sober -- glass to that.
From CNN
These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.
What is the pronunciation of solemn?
A1
Translations of solemn
in Chinese (Traditional)
莊嚴的，嚴肅的…
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in Chinese (Simplified)
庄严的，严肃的…
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in Spanish
solemne, solemne [masculine-feminine, singular]…
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in Portuguese
solene…
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厳粛な, 重々しい, まじめな…
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vakur, ciddi, ağırbaşlı…
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solennel/-elle, grave, solennel…
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solemne…
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ernstig, plechtig…
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alvorlig, højtidelig…
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allvarlig, högtidlig…
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serius, takzim…
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ernst, feierlich…
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høytidelig, høytidsstemt, alvorlig…
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поважний, серйозний, урочистий…
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серьезный, торжественный…
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مَهيب…
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vážný, slavnostní…
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serius, khidmat…
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เอาจริงเอาจัง, เป็นทางการ, ถูกพิธีรีตอง…
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uy nghi, uy nghiêm, long trọng…
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uroczysty, poważny…
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근엄한, 침통한…
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solenne, serio…
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solecism
-soled
solei
solely
solemn
solemn promise, commitment, undertaking, etc. phrase
solemnities phrase
solemnity
solemnization
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solemn promise, commitment, undertaking, etc. phrase
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solemn promise, commitment, undertaking, etc. phrase
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Contents
English
Adjective
solemn
solemn promise, commitment, undertaking, etc.
Intermediate
Adjective
solemn
Noun
solemnity
Adverb
solemnly
Examples
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SOLEMN Synonyms: 233 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus
SOLEMN Synonyms: 233 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus
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Est. 1828
Thesaurus
Synonyms of solemn
as in imposing
as in serious
as in somber
as in imposingas in seriousas in somber
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solemn
adjective
Definition of solemn
1
as in imposing
having or showing a formal and serious or reserved manner
the director of the funeral home has a fittingly solemn demeanor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
imposing
distinguished
dignified
decorous
aristocratic
staid
elegant
stately
august
handsome
portly
distingué
sombre
somber
proper
seemly
grim
grave
magisterial
majestic
po-faced
sober
noble
lordly
elevated
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
silly
frivolous
goofy
undignified
giddy
improper
coarse
crude
vulgar
unseemly
indecent
uncouth
flighty
crass
See More
2
as in serious
not joking or playful in mood or manner
solemn as a judge
Synonyms & Similar Words
serious
stern
earnest
sober
unsmiling
professional
humorless
staid
sedate
distinguished
severe
harsh
grave
strict
po-faced
weighty
no-nonsense
uncomic
grim
sobersided
dignified
businesslike
serious-minded
gloomy
elevated
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
humorous
playful
jocular
flippant
facetious
joking
light
funny
ridiculous
comical
ludic
riotous
farcical
hilarious
comic
flip
hysterical
ludicrous
droll
uproarious
kittenish
antic
laughable
hysteric
lighthearted
frivolous
jesting
risible
goofy
puerile
screaming
absurd
silly
foolish
flighty
fatuous
insane
sidesplitting
scatterbrained
mad
preposterous
unwise
zany
nonsensical
harebrained
senseless
sappy
crazy
nutty
balmy
asinine
light-headed
wacky
lunatic
witless
jerky
whacky
kooky
cuckoo
loony
daffy
daft
cockeyed
brainless
featherbrained
dotty
screwball
weak-minded
half-witted
kookie
looney
See More
3
as in somber
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
the Capitol's rotunda was draped in solemn decorations of a state funeral
Synonyms & Similar Words
somber
bleak
dark
lonely
darkening
depressing
depressive
desolate
morbid
murky
lonesome
sombre
gray
cold
grey
funereal
blue
black
lugubrious
elegiac
sepulchral
miserable
gloomy
morose
sullen
sad
cheerless
chill
depressed
wretched
melancholy
glum
dreary
disconsolate
saturnine
dismal
forlorn
dire
oppressive
drear
cloudy
comfortless
tenebrous
mournful
elegiacal
godforsaken
plutonian
melancholic
unhappy
dreich
desperate
Cimmerian
grim
mirthless
sunless
tenebrific
dull
sorrowful
dim
distressful
woebegone
negative
dejected
hopeless
hangdog
menacing
discouraging
inconsolable
dismaying
dispiriting
plaintive
distressing
discomfiting
despondent
low
woeful
upsetting
disheartening
pessimistic
lamentable
droopy
down
dour
drab
colorless
threatening
lowering
louring
loury
lowery
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
cheerful
friendly
bright
festive
cordial
cheery
joyous
gay
comforting
joyful
sunshiny
merry
jolly
mirthful
buoyant
gay
blithe
optimistic
hopeful
heartwarming
encouraging
cheering
blithesome
jocund
lighthearted
lightsome
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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
Thesaurus Entries Near solemn
solely
solemn
solemnities
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“Solemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemn. Accessed 12 Mar. 2024.
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solemn adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced American Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com
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Definition of solemn adjective from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
solemn adjectiveadjective NAmE//ˈsɑləm// jump to other results1(of a person) not happy or smiling synonym serious Her face grew solemn. a solemn expression opposite cheerful Thesaurusseriousgrave earnest solemnThese words all describe someone who thinks and behaves carefully and sensibly, but often without much joy or laughter.serious thinking about things in a careful and sensible way; not laughing about something:He's really a very serious person. Be serious for a minute; this is important.grave (somewhat formal) (of a person) serious in manner, as if something sad, important, or worrying has just happened:She looked very grave as she entered the room.earnest serious and sincere:The earnest young doctor answered all our questions. an earnest attempt to communicatesolemn looking or sounding very serious, without smiling; done or said in a very serious and sincere way:The minister wore a solemn expression. I made a solemn promise that I would return.Patterns a(n) serious/grave/earnest/solemn expression/face a serious/solemn mood/atmosphere
Questions about grammar and vocabulary?
Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.
2done, said, etc. in a very serious and sincere way a solemn oath/undertaking/vow, etc. a solemn and binding promise
3(of a religious ceremony or formal occasion) performed in a serious way a solemn ritual solemnly jump to other results adverb He nodded solemnly. She solemnly promised not to say a word to anyone about it. The choir walked solemnly past.See solemn in the Oxford Advanced Learner's DictionaryCheck pronunciation: solemn
Nearby words
solecism noun
solely adverb
solemn adjective
solemnity noun
solemnize verb
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solemn adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com
solemn adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com
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Definition of solemn adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
solemn adjective /ˈsɒləm/ /ˈsɑːləm/
jump to other results
(of a person) not happy or smiling synonym seriousHer face grew solemn.a solemn expression opposite cheerfulExtra ExamplesHer mood was rather solemn.She usually had a smile on her face, but now she looked solemn.She looked at the solemn faces of the children.Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbsbelookseem…adverbextremelyfairlyvery…See full entry
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Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.
done, said, etc. in a very serious and sincere waya solemn oath/undertaking/vow, etc.a solemn and binding promiseExtra ExamplesOur most solemn duty is to protect the public.I made a solemn promise that I would return.You have all taken a solemn oath of loyalty to your country.Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbsbelookseem…adverbextremelyfairlyvery…See full entry
(of a religious ceremony or formal occasion) performed in a serious waya solemn ritualMore Like This Silent lettersSilent lettersgnarledgnashgnatgnawgnomehaute cuisineheirherbhonourhors d’oeuvrehourknackkneekneelknifeknightknitknobknockknotknowknucklepsalmpsephologypsychicptarmiganpterodactylpsychologywranglewrapwreathwreckwrenchwrestlewrigglewringwritewrongbombclimbcrumbdoubtlamblimbascentfascinatemusclescenescissorsheightrightsleighweightaligncampaigndesignforeignmalignreignunfeignedbalmycalmcalfhalfyolkautumncolumncondemndamnhymnsolemnbristlefastenlistenmortgagesoftenthistlewrestlebiscuitbuildcircuitdisguiseguiltyleagueroguevagueyachtanswerswordtwo Word OriginMiddle English (in the sense ‘associated with religious rites’): from Old French solemne, from Latin sollemnis ‘customary, celebrated at a fixed date’, from sollus ‘entire’.See solemn in the Oxford Advanced American DictionaryCheck pronunciation:
solemn
Nearby words
solecism noun
solely adverb
solemn adjective
solemnity noun
solemnize verb
boost
verb
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WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024sol•emn /ˈsɑləm/USA pronunciation
adj.
grave; not funny:solemn remarks.
serious; earnest; sincere:solemn assurance that he would keep his word.
of a ceremonious character:a solemn occasion.
marked or observed with religious rites:a solemn holy day.
so•lem•ni•ty /səˈlɛmnɪti/USA pronunciation n. [uncountable]
sol•emn•ly, adv.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024sol•emn
(sol′əm),USA pronunciation adj.
grave, sober, or mirthless, as a person, the face, speech, tone, or mood:solemn remarks.
gravely or somberly impressive; causing serious thoughts or a grave mood:solemn music.
serious or earnest:solemn assurances.
characterized by dignified or serious formality, as proceedings; of a formal or ceremonious character:a solemn occasion.
made in due legal or other express form, as a declaration or agreement:a solemn oath.
marked or observed with religious rites; having a religious character:a solemn holy day.
uttered, prescribed, or made according to religious forms:a solemn ban on sacrifice.
Late Latin sōlennis, sōlempnis, Latin sōlemnis, variant of sollemnis consecrated, holy, derivative of sollus whole Old French) Middle English solem(p)ne (1275–1325
sol′emn•ly, adv.
sol′emn•ness, n.
1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged unsmiling, serious. See grave 2. 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged august, imposing, stately. 4.See corresponding entry in Unabridged ritual, ceremonial. 6.See corresponding entry in Unabridged devotional, sacred.
1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged humorous. 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged trivial.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
solemn /ˈsɒləm/ adj characterized or marked by seriousness or sincerity: a solemn vow characterized by pomp, ceremony, or formality serious, glum, or pompous inspiring awe: a solemn occasion performed with religious ceremony gloomy or sombre: solemn coloursEtymology: 14th Century: from Old French solempne, from Latin sōllemnis appointed, perhaps from sollus wholeˈsolemnly adv ˈsolemnness, ˈsolemness n
'solemn' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
All Souls' Day
- Covenanter
- Feast of Orthodoxy
- Great Entrance
- High Mass
- Little Entrance
- National Covenant
- O, o
- Panathenaea
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Rogation Days
- Troy Game, The
- adjuration
- affirmation
- agreement
- amen
- austere
- bar mitzvah
- bat mitzvah
- bell
- budge
- burlesque
- celebrate
- ceremonial
- ceremony
- confirmation
- conjuration
- consistory
- cope
- covenant
- covenanter
- dead march
- devote
- dirge
- ecumenical council
- eth
- exorcise
- falda
- fanon
- grave
- gravity
- hilarious
- humorous
- long face
- lucubration
- merry
- oath
- overcloud
- owl
- owlish
In Lists: Words with a silent "n", more...Synonyms: grave, serious, sober, portentous, earnest, more...
Forum discussions with the word(s) "solemn" in the title:A grave God-fearing man, a quiet sedate nature, the judge was solemn as ...
a series of very solemn and obvious editorials
a solemn declaration to be signed
A solemn person.
a thought too solemn perhaps, but sweet as music
dark, sedate, and solemn piles
entertain solemn doctrines about...to conceive for them an idolatrous
in a solemn sort of way
In solemn tribute
instead of being cheerful, ... it was solemn
lodged solemn representation with the relevant side in the United States
looked...so sensible and solemn
Lucy said nothing and looked very solemn as...
on this auspicious occasion of such a splendid and solemn ..
Solemn
solemn echoing drive
solemn promise
solemn voice
solemn vs serious (relating to a hobby)
Some follow each other in solemn parades
Some other adjectives describing the calm and solemn appearance of a phoenix
Still bright on clouds of suffering dim
Shines that soft, solemn joy;
Sweet and solemn rose their voices
than he shot out a solemn lip.
the
The solemn-eyed
the tone of the story is dark and solemn
there seemed to me to lie
This solemn ceremony represents an act of faith.
Where the sun had gone down in simple state—pure of the pomp of clouds—spread a solemn purple
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