SOBER Synonyms: 310 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'sober' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sober are earnest , grave , sedate , serious , solemn , and staid . While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity. // a sober look at the state of our schools

Q: When might 'earnest' be a better fit than 'sober'?

The synonyms earnest and sober are sometimes interchangeable, but earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose. // an earnest reformer

Q: When can 'grave' be used instead of 'sober'?

The meanings of grave and sober largely overlap; however, grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude. // read the proclamation in a grave voice

Q: When could 'sedate' be used to replace 'sober'?

The words sedate and sober can be used in similar contexts, but sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness. // remained sedate amid the commotion

Q: When would 'serious' be a good substitute for 'sober'?

In some situations, the words serious and sober are roughly equivalent. However, serious implies a concern for what really matters. // a serious play about social injustice

Q: Where would 'solemn' be a reasonable alternative to 'sober'?

While the synonyms solemn and sober are close in meaning, solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity. // a sad and solemn occasion

Q: In what contexts can 'staid' take the place of 'sober'?

Although the words staid and sober have much in common, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint. // a quiet and staid community

sober

adjective

ˈsō-bər

Definition of sober next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in logical

based on sound reasoning or information a sober assessment of the situation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sober different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sober are earnest, grave, sedate, serious, solemn, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When might earnest be a better fit than sober?

The synonyms earnest and sober are sometimes interchangeable, but earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

When can grave be used instead of sober?

The meanings of grave and sober largely overlap; however, grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.

read the proclamation in a grave voice

When could sedate be used to replace sober?

The words sedate and sober can be used in similar contexts, but sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

When would serious be a good substitute for sober?

In some situations, the words serious and sober are roughly equivalent. However, serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

Where would solemn be a reasonable alternative to sober?

While the synonyms solemn and sober are close in meaning, solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

In what contexts can staid take the place of sober?

Although the words staid and sober have much in common, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.

a quiet and staid community

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of sober The singer-songwriter has been sober from drugs and alcohol for five years. —

Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 9 Jan. 2025 The caption was written alongside a video that showed snippets of her journey to sobriety, which included her using substances and then gradually becoming sober and enjoying mundane moments in her life, and spending time with her fiancé Justin Long. —

Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 7 Jan. 2025 With an incredible variety of teas and coffees available, exploring these options can make sober drinking both exciting and enjoyable for Dry January. —

Chelsea Frank, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025 The actress, known for her roles in TV's Pretty Little Liars and Life Sentence, as well as the 2011 movie Scream 4, noted Thursday on social media that she's been sober for three years. —

Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sober

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sober

Adjective

Air New Zealand was once again named the safest full-service airline in the world for 2025, holding on to the title for a second straight year.

Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2025
Samsung topped the list of most U.S. patent grants for the third straight year, while Huawei and other Chinese companies saw a significant increase in patent awards in 2024, according to new data from IFI Claims.

Ina Fried, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025