1
as in straight
not having one's mind affected by alcohol
it's important to stay sober if you're going to be driving a car
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in logical
based on sound reasoning or information
a sober assessment of the situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
a sober reply to what was only a teasing comment
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4
as in quiet
not excessively showy
if you don't have anything in black, at least wear a sober outfit to the funeral
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5
as in ascetic
given to or marked by restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites
cruise passengers of sober dispositions will be put off by the focus on nonstop dining
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sober
Hanks has also credited his daughter with inspiring him to get sober.
—
Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
His starting point was not optimism about the likelihood of human agreement but a sober recognition of its unlikelihood.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Of course, the federal government was disbursing billions in COVID-19 aid to states during 2022, the flow of which has dried up as governments face sober fiscal realities.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Best-case scenario, addicts are sent to rehab and emerge clean and sober.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sober
Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
His starting point was not optimism about the likelihood of human agreement but a sober recognition of its unlikelihood.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Of course, the federal government was disbursing billions in COVID-19 aid to states during 2022, the flow of which has dried up as governments face sober fiscal realities.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Best-case scenario, addicts are sent to rehab and emerge clean and sober.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sober
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sober
Adjective
-
Detroit won three straight games – Game 5 at home, Game 6 in Orlando and Game 7 back in Detroit – and the collapse became part of franchise lore.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
And once again, Suzuki’s top line went scoreless five-on-five for a fourth straight game.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Berman and Kessler argue this is a logical and organic pivot for MMRs.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
However, a resignation or even a leave of absence now looks like a logical outcome.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Inspired by the most recent decade of killings of unarmed Black men by police, the seven prints selected from Henry’s series draw upon the sculptural pathos and solemn formalities of Michelangelo’s Pietà di San Pietro.—
Horace D. Ballard,
Artforum,
22 Apr. 2026
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While it’s meant to be a solemn moment, was that uncomfortable for you as a comedian?—
Stuart Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As the Moon moves through your 12th House of Solitude, quiet preparation sharpens your thinking.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Despite a quiet start on radar, the weather is expected to turn more active later in the day.—
Lissette Gonzalez,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The overall aesthetic was slightly ascetic without being spartan—a pale, neutral color palette; simple, modern furniture; a few pieces of abstract art.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
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The first follows the Rajput king Ratansen of Chitor (a fortress in what is now Chittorgarh, Rajasthan), who renounces his throne and travels as a yogi (wandering ascetic) to the island kingdom of Simhal to win the legendary Padmavati.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Browns, which are usually but not always brown, include spent perennials, dry leaves, cut-up (undyed) leather, twigs, paper and straw.—
Jessica Damiano,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Much of Culebra is now protected under the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, which preserves mangroves, dry forest, and charming coastal habitats used by seabirds and marine life.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
With a reasonable chance that both sides win all their remaining games, the size of each victory matters.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Although executors may be paid reasonable compensation—often up to 5% of the estate’s value—you aren’t required to accept the role.—
Nancy Ashburn,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Half a century later, the nation’s environmental problems are a lot less visible, but not, for that reason, any less serious.—
Elizabeth Kolbert,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Even in healthy children, measles can cause serious illness and death.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sober.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sober. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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