sombre
4 synonyms and 5 antonyms for sombre, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Dark, dim, or lacking in brightness.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adjective
Dark, dim, or lacking in brightness.
“A sombre grey light filled the room before the storm broke.”
Opposites
How to use sombre
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a sombre mood
sombre colours
a sombre tone
Etymology
From French sombre, "dark", possibly from Latin sub- ("under") + umbra ("shade").
Full origin of sombre →Frequently asked questions
What does “sombre” mean?
The word “sombre” means dark, dim, or lacking in brightness. In plain terms, dark and gloomy, whether describing light, colours, or a serious mood.
How do you pronounce “sombre”?
“Sombre” is pronounced SOM-buh (/ˈsɑmbɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sombre” in a sentence?
Here is “sombre” used in a sentence: “A sombre grey light filled the room before the storm broke.”
What part of speech is “sombre”?
“Sombre” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sombre” come from?
The word “sombre” comes from Latin. From French sombre, "dark", possibly from Latin sub- ("under") + umbra ("shade").
How many meanings does “sombre” have?
“Sombre” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: dark, dim, or lacking in brightness.
