as in intentness
a mental state free of jesting or trifling
the unexpected soberness of the class clown at the memorial service was startling
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Recent Examples of soberness
Because of the way the director works, emotions tend to be more discussed than felt, although there’s something about Carla’s desperation that pierces through all the soberness.
—
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 17 Feb. 2026
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 17 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soberness
Noun
-
When one of these clouds fragments into parts, gravity causes pockets within the fragments to collapse, with the density and temperature at the core of each pocket rising.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The probe was delayed from 2022, and headed for the asteroid Psyche, using a Mars-gravity assist and not arriving until August 2029.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Kapetan’s yearning, intimate voice is still front and center, mixing and modernizing elements of favorites of the aughts like Conor Oberst (his earnestness), Ben Kweller (his wit), and Sufjan Stevens (his beauty).—
Brendan Hay,
SPIN,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Not too serious or sappy, but with room for both earnestness and whimsy.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There were plenty of moments of silliness to go along with the solemnity in Tuesday’s show.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Good Friday and Holy Saturday will be observed in local Catholic churches with characteristic solemnity, dignity and beauty.—
From staff reports,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Rattlesnake activity began in earnest in March, a month ahead of the start of the peak season, which is typically from April to October.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The rumor mill fired up in earnest on April 6, when a handful of fans—first on Discogs and Reddit, then across social media—reported receiving VHS tapes imprinted with BoC’s hexagon-mesh logo.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Not to underplay the seriousness of the situation, of course, but the suspect never made it inside.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
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The Timberwolves gathered around DiVincenzo, recognizing the potential seriousness of his injury.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Soberness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soberness. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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