sobriety

noun

so·​bri·​ety sə-ˈbrī-ə-tē How to pronounce sobriety (audio)
sō-
Synonyms of sobriety
: the quality or state of being sober

Synonyms of sobriety

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Examples of sobriety in a Sentence

They did a sobriety test on him. the sobriety of the situation
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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.
Many insurers also still require proof of sobriety or documented cirrhosis before covering direct-acting antivirals. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 In the post-Potter years, Radcliffe has spoken about turning to alcohol, describing how getting drunk publicly ultimately led him to pursue sobriety in 2010. — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 According to police, Larkin showed signs of impairment at the crash and failed sobriety tests. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026 On the previous episode of Lipps Service, Sublie’s Jakob Nowell spoke about carrying forward his late father Bradley’s legacy, finding his own voice, overcoming imposter syndrome, sobriety and the future of Sublime. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sobriety

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sobrete, from Anglo-French sobreté, from Latin sobrietat-, sobrietas, from sobrius

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sobriety was in the 15th century

Rhymes for sobriety

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Browse Nearby Words

sobrerol
sobriety
sobriquet
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Cite this Entry

“Sobriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sobriety. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sobriety

noun
so·​bri·​ety sə-ˈbrī-ət-ē How to pronounce sobriety (audio)
: the quality or state of being sober
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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