sober

Not affected by alcohol or drugs.

• I stayed sober at the party.
• Is she sober enough to drive?
• He has been sober for three years.

Similar words: clear-headed

Opposites: drunk, intoxicated

Common phrases: stay sober, completely sober, sober driver, stone-cold sober

Plain and quiet in color, without anything bright or showy.

• He wore a sober grey suit.
• The room was decorated in sober colors.
• She chose a sober dress for the ceremony.

Similar words: muted, subdued, plain

Opposites: bright, flashy

Common phrases: sober colors, sober suit, sober tones

Having had nothing to eat or drink for a period before a medical test or treatment.

• The patient must be sober before the test.
• She arrived sober for her blood test.
• Patients should remain sober until the procedure is finished.

Similar words: fasting

Common phrases: sober patient, remain sober

To stop being affected by alcohol.

• I need time to sober up.
• She sobered up by the morning.
• They waited for him to sober up before leaving.

How to use it: sober up (He waited until he had sobered up.)

Similar words: become sober

Common phrases: sober up, sober someone up

To make or become serious and calm, or no longer affected by alcohol.

• His expression sobered.
• The news sobered everyone in the room.
• The thought of losing her home sobered her quickly.

Similar words: steady, calm

Common phrases: sober someone, sober suddenly