sobering

adjective

so·​ber·​ing ˈsō-b(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce sobering (audio)
: tending to make one thoughtful or sober

Examples of sobering in a Sentence

His death is a sobering reminder of the dangers of mountaineering.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
So the sobering book is on the way? — Chris Willman, Variety, 25 June 2026 The long-term picture in the Shell report is equally sobering. — David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Earlier that day, Barbatti’s group had released a sobering new survey of the island’s deer population. — Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Today, the site is home to museum exhibits (and even reconstructed barracks) that tell the sobering story of life in the camp, reminding visitors of the civil rights disaster. — Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sobering

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sobering was in 1816

Browse Nearby Words

sober
sobering
soberingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sobering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sobering. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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