sobering

1 of 2

adjective

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

sobering

2 of 2

present participle of sober entry 2

Examples of sobering in a Sentence

Adjective His death is a sobering reminder of the dangers of mountaineering.
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Adjective
The most sobering reality check on Beirut City Pop brings the conflict into stark relief. — Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026 Survivors shouldn’t have to choose between staying in school and reporting, but the research tells a sobering story about what reporting actually costs students. — Mary Beth Canty, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 There have been several studies into this problem with sobering findings. — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 Shapiro’s session offered sobering stats about the changing nature of viewing audiences. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sobering

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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 1 Nov. 2026.

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