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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Recent Examples of gravitas
More competent and less malleable than Henry, Potter had a gravitas befitting a show that was growing in ambition.
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James Poniewozik, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2022
Some fiction podcasts ape true crime, borrowing that genre’s structure and tropes in order to achieve a suspenseful gravitas.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 14 July 2022
His range was wide, but Hall, who had a natural gravitas, often played men in suits, trench coats and lab coats.
—Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2022
Baseball holds a particular gravitas in the world of sports.
—Aj Willingham, CNN, 8 May 2022
See all Example Sentences for gravitas 
James Poniewozik, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2022
Some fiction podcasts ape true crime, borrowing that genre’s structure and tropes in order to achieve a suspenseful gravitas.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 14 July 2022
His range was wide, but Hall, who had a natural gravitas, often played men in suits, trench coats and lab coats.
—Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2022
Baseball holds a particular gravitas in the world of sports.
—Aj Willingham, CNN, 8 May 2022
See all Example Sentences for gravitas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gravitas
Noun
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To be sure, the laws of political gravity will still apply; even a compliant Congress will give Trump some pushback.Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
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Her words are measured, her tone comforting yet firm, reflecting the gravity and sensitivity of her work.Tyler Shepherd, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
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This guide will break down the car accident laws every driver should know, from fault determination to insurance requirements, legal liabilities, and what to do following an accident.Nia Bowers, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
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Few modern artists do so much to persuade us that creative endeavor is a struggle—an anxious wrestling with the stubborn materials to hand, and a determination to plow on.Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial in the Rust set shooting started in earnest on Wednesday, July 10, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with opening statements.Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 10 July 2024
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The General Assembly should begin work in earnest in next year’s session on a comprehensive plan to forestall these calamities.The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2024
Noun
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By James Parker The huge solemnity of his eyes, grave and sober as a child’s but with a spark of ancient, euphoric irony back in there somewhere.James Parker, The Atlantic, 12 Oct. 2024
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The Tigger energy is abruptly stilled, replaced by a silently welling solemnity.James Parker, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2024
Noun
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Not every player has the resolve to take on such odds, not even the most talented of players.Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
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Joy is our ability to focus our mind and heart on those things that bring us purpose and the resolve to overcome the obstacles that otherwise would hold us down.Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Gravitas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gravitas. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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