solemn
Heavy with meaning
Solemn describes something serious, dignified, or deeply earnest.
A solemn oath carries weight and gravity.
A solemn ceremony unfolds with formal reverence.
A solemn expression shows no trace of humor or levity.
The word suggests occasions or attitudes that demand respect and reflection: The room fell solemn as the verdict was read.
Weighty and requiring attention
- soberFree from intoxication
- somberGravely serious in mood
- earnestSincerely intense in purpose
- sternStrict or ship's aft
unsmiling · weighty · momentous · portentous · consequential · significant · important · urgent
Inclined to deep thought
- meditativeInclined toward deep reflection
- pensiveQuietly, sadly thoughtful
- thoughtfulShowing careful consideration
- introspectiveExamining one's own mind
brooding · quiet · still · subdued · hushed · muted · restrained · understated
Ceremonial set of actions
- processionFormal moving line
- coronationCeremony installing a sovereign
- inaugurationFormal beginning ceremony
- ordinationClergy appointment ceremony
consecration · investiture · enthronement · convocation · commemoration · induction · installation · liturgy
Made or regarded holy
- sanctifiedMade sacred through blessing
- consecratedDeclared sacred through ritual
- blessedReceiving divine favor
- holyDedicated to the divine
divine · sacrament · altar · reverent · devotional · pious · spiritual · worship
serious
Weighty and requiring attention
stern · unsmiling · weighty · momentous · portentous · consequential · significant · important · urgent · critical
contemplative
Inclined to deep thought
- meditativeInclined toward deep reflection
- pensiveQuietly, sadly thoughtful
- thoughtfulShowing careful consideration
introspective · brooding · quiet · still · subdued · hushed · muted · restrained · understated · calm
ritual
Ceremonial set of actions
- processionFormal moving line
- coronationCeremony installing a sovereign
- inaugurationFormal beginning ceremony
ordination · consecration · investiture · enthronement · convocation · commemoration · induction · installation · liturgy · dedication
hallowed
Made or regarded holy
- sanctifiedMade sacred through blessing
- consecratedDeclared sacred through ritual
- blessedReceiving divine favor
holy · divine · sacrament · altar · reverent · devotional · pious · spiritual · worship · veneration
funeral
Service honoring the dead
requiem · mourning · bereavement · grief · lament · memorial · condolence · vigil · wake · obituary
stately
Grand and imposing
- augustImpressively grand and noble
- nobleTitled or virtuous
- majesticImpressively dignified and beautiful
grand · imposing · regal · lofty · elevated · distinguished · venerable · courtly · formal · decorous
- funeralsfuneral, burial, cremation, casket, coffin
- dramatic tonesintense, tense, suspenseful, ominous, foreboding
- sombergloomy, bleak, dreary, dismal, melancholy
- ___ silencedeathly, eerie, awkward, uncomfortable, stunned
- atmospheresmisty, hazy, foggy, smoky, humid
- seriousness descriptorsserious, grave, somber, stern, grim
solemnlighthearted
Cheerful and without worry
jovial · light-hearted · cheerful · merry · joyful
- solemn vowGrave, binding promise
- solemn promiseFormal binding commitment
- solemn declarationFormal assertion of truth
solemnly, solemnity, solemnize, solemnness, solemnized, solemnization, solemnities, solemness, solemnizing