sobriety

noun

so·​bri·​ety sə-ˈbrī-ə-tē 

sō-

: the quality or state of being sober

Synonyms of sobriety

• intentness
• gravity
• earnestness
• soberness
• earnest

Examples of sobriety in a Sentence

They did a sobriety test on him.

the sobriety of the situation

Recent Examples on the Web

After performing poorly on field sobriety tests, he was taken into custody. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2026

The sheriff's office also released body camera footage of Romo's arrest and sobriety test. — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

The petition also calls for Berry to not be under the influence and to undergo sobriety testing before, during and after any visits with their son. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

The latter—which perhaps pulls inspiration from the early addiction recovery phrase used to describe the honeymoon period of sobriety—details taking ownership of letting a romantic partner down. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for sobriety

• gaiety
• piety
• antianxiety
• intersociety
• anxiety
• impiety
• propriety
• satiety
• society
• variety
• contrariety
• impropriety

Kids Definition

sobriety

noun

so·​bri·​ety sə-ˈbrī-ət-ē 

: the quality or state of being sober