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Definitions

sobering

[soh-ber-ing] / ˈsoʊ bər ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
serious
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dangerous deep difficult far-reaching grievous important major meaningful severe significant tough urgent
WEAK
arduous fateful fell formidable grave grim hard heavy laborious meaning business menacing momentous no joke no laughing matter of consequence operose out for blood playing hard ball pressing smoking strenuous strictly business threatening ugly unamusing unhumorous worrying
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm easy facile friendly insignificant little meaningless minor small trivial unimportant worthless
WEAK
flippant funny happy light unserious

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.

The statistics are sobering; if you're carrying a transceiver there is a 70% chance you'll survive an avalanche, according to emergency crews.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

It was a sobering reminder for Newcastle United.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

These are dutiful, sobering acts of mourning — Seftel’s is the probable awardee.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

Even in a flight to safety, if spirits start to stumble, the message from staples could quickly turn sobering.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

Marriage brought the sobering realities of life into focus.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.