gravitas

noun

Definition of gravitasnext
as in gravity
formal a very serious quality or manner The new leader has an air of gravitas that commands respect. a comic actress who lacks the gravitas for dramatic roles

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of gravitas Henriksen plays his part to the hilt here, bringing a gravitas that few actors would consider bringing to the role of a shoot-'em-up movie villain. — Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2023 Singer-songwriter-keyboardist McVie took an important role in its multi-platinum efforts, with her warmth and gravitas balancing the contributions of her younger new bandmates. — Chris Morris, Variety, 30 Nov. 2022 Tell me about filming that scene and bringing the proper gravitas to a moment like that. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2022 The 66-year-old Showalter brought a sense of stability and gravitas to a franchise that had been saddled with on- and off-the-field issues over the past several seasons. — David Brandt, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for gravitas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gravitas
  1. gravity
  2. earnestness
  3. seriousness
  4. determination
  5. earnest
  6. solemnity
  7. attentiveness
  8. humorlessness
Noun
  • Waugh was a magnificent writer, and his prose has a rare gravity and balance.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026
  • There is no wind on the moon but, with less gravity, debris can travel far after an explosion.
    — Selam Gebrekidan, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of gravity
Noun
  • Elizabeth Strout illustrates a kind man with an endearing earnestness about him who struggles with the fact that the world is not so simple anymore.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The diaries—particularly in Julian Sachs’s unexpurgated version, which captures Pavese’s alternating earnestness, archness, and pungent vulgarity—pose something of a problem.
    — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of earnestness
Noun
  • Petersen also was struck by the seriousness of today’s youth.
    — Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
  • By early 2023, in response to these trends, NATO stepped up the seriousness and urgency of its discussions on Russian hybrid activity.
    — Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of seriousness
Noun
  • But the investigation is ongoing, and no final determination has been made.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Colfax Mayor Caroline McCully said the opening represents the culmination of years of work and determination by people who believed in the project and the community.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of determination
Noun
  • By May 2026, all 11 of xAI’s original cofounders had departed the company, a cascade that began in earnest in February when Tony Wu, described as one of the most operationally central cofounders, announced his resignation.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 June 2026
  • Modern viticulture began in earnest here in the 1970s before blossoming in the ’90s.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 June 2026
Definition of earnest
Noun
  • Adding to the solemnity of the occasion was a string quartet that played two slow movements from Alban Berg’s Lyric Suite.
    — Peter E. Gordon, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026
  • What’s also obvious from Mel’s photography is the solemnity of these places and the humanity of those living and working within them.
    — Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of solemnity
Noun
  • In terms of hospitality, expect a high level of attentiveness.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The Moores used a lot of attentiveness — and prayer — to protect their son.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of attentiveness
Noun
  • One of my major disappointments in a lot of the writing was its humorlessness.
    — Diya Chacko, Oc Register, 21 Oct. 2025
Definition of humorlessness

Browse Nearby Words

graving
gravitas
gravitate
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Cite this Entry

“Gravitas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gravitas. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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