1. A manner that is serious and solemn
   "The somberness of the situation called for immediate action";
   - graveness, gravity, sobriety, soberness, sombreness [Brit, Cdn]
    
2. A feeling of melancholy apprehension
   "The somberness of the occasion was reflected in their quiet demeanor";
   - gloom, gloominess, sombreness [Brit, Cdn]
    
3. A state of partial or total darkness
   "he struck a match to dispel the somberness";
   - gloom, sombreness [Brit, Cdn]

Type of: apprehension, apprehensiveness, dread, earnestness, melancholy, misgiving, semidarkness, serious-mindedness, seriousness, sincerity