sober

[soh-ber] / ˈsoʊ bər /

ADJECTIVE

not partaking of alcohol

Synonyms

STRONGEST

calm restrained sedate serious

STRONG

abstaining controlled dry moderate steady

WEAK

abstemious abstinent ascetic clear-headed cold sober continent nonindulgent not drunk on the wagon self-possessed temperate took the pledge

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agitated excitable excited

WEAK

drunk immoderate inebriated irrational

ADJECTIVE

calm, peaceful; dull

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dark disciplined dispassionate down-to-earth earnest levelheaded low-key lucid no-nonsense practical quiet rational realistic reasonable restrained sedate serene serious solemn somber staid subdued

STRONG

abnegating abstaining collected composed constrained cool eschewing forgoing grave inhibited plain reserved sound steady

WEAK

clear-headed cold drab hard-boiled imperturbable pacific severe soft toned-down unexcited unimpassioned unruffled

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agitated boisterous cheerful excitable excited flippant frivolous funny happy impractical insincere irrational light nervous trivial troubled unimportant unrealistic unreasonable unserious upset

STRONG

annoyed friendly worried

WEAK

drunk immoderate inebriated

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.

Comptroller Mark Levine called the move a “sobering wake-up call,” noting the city is spending more than it earns.

From Barron's

It looked a pretty sobering weekend for McLaren to be so far off the pace after being the best car the last couple of years.

From BBC

It was a sobering reminder for Newcastle United.

From BBC

Ms. Minnelli, now sober for 11 years, has few regrets and many adoring friends.

From The Wall Street Journal

His confidence contrasted with remarks by Gen Caine, who offered a more sober assessment.

From BBC