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Definitions

solemn

[sol-uhm] / ˈsɒl əm /
ADJECTIVE
quiet, serious
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dignified earnest funereal glum intense pensive portentous reflective sedate sober somber stern thoughtful weighty
WEAK
austere brooding cold sober deliberate downbeat grave heavy matter of life and death moody no-fooling no-nonsense staid
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cheerful excited happy ignorant joyful light lively thoughtless trivial unimportant unthoughtful
WEAK
frivolous funny insignificant laughing ordinary unimpressive unsacred usual
ADJECTIVE
impressive, sacred
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dignified formal grand holy momentous religious reverential
WEAK
august awe-inspiring ceremonial ceremonious conventional devotional divine full grave hallowed imposing magnificent majestic ostentatious overwhelming plenary ritual sanctified stately venerable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
insignificant irreligious unimportant
WEAK
frivolous funny laughing light ordinary unimpressive unsacred usual

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That impulsiveness also manifests itself in "violations" of diplomatic protocol and solemn military ceremonies, Rowland said.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

So too was "Mao's Guilt": a life-sized replica of the so-called supreme leader kneeling in a pose of solemn contrition.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

It is a holiday of contradictions: solemn duty mixed with a picnic spirit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

"Today, we come together in solemn solidarity to affirm truth and pursue a route to healing and reparative justice. The adoption of this resolution serves as a safeguard against forgetting," said Mahama.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

LaPautre made a final puff and drew himself up to his most solemn height.

From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich

Vocabulary lists containing solemn

List 2

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 4

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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

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