Definition of seriousnext
1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word serious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of serious are earnest, grave, sedate, sober, solemn, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

In what contexts can earnest take the place of serious?

Although the words earnest and serious have much in common, earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

When would grave be a good substitute for serious?

While in some cases nearly identical to serious, grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.

read the proclamation in a grave voice

When is it sensible to use sedate instead of serious?

While the synonyms sedate and serious are close in meaning, sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

Where would sober be a reasonable alternative to serious?

The words sober and serious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When might solemn be a better fit than serious?

The synonyms solemn and serious are sometimes interchangeable, but solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

When is staid a more appropriate choice than serious?

In some situations, the words staid and serious are roughly equivalent. However, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.

a quiet and staid community

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 serious The actor was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026 Cashmere Jones, 32, was charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, court records show. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 Perez and DeSantis don’t get along, and in Tallahassee, personal agendas get in the way — this time with serious consequences. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026 Gingrich has not clarified whether his endorsement was serious. Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for serious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serious
Adjective
  • This visual story captures solemn moments of faith, tradition and community as worshippers publicly observed one of Christianity’s most sacred Holy Week rituals.
    Al Diaz, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The solemn liturgical service included the Lord’s Passion from the Gospel of John.
    Holly Andres, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Another important note to make is that Lupaia is closed during the winter season for improvements to the rooms, garden, public area, and overall guest experience since the weather is too unpredictable to welcome guests during that time anyway.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Nonresidents have such an important role to play in the management of wildlife in Wyoming, and obviously nonresident [hunting and fishing] licenses cost a lot more than resident ones do.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Community members and city leaders say the combination of narrow streets, heavy foot traffic and frequent parking maneuvers can create dangerous conditions.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Assault with a dangerous weapon on a person 60 or older.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Days after she was struck in the head with a metal bottle, Khimberly was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered severe bleeding in her brain.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Peak said mold illness, which includes chronic conditions related to the toxins and bacterium found in mold, is more widespread than mold poisoning, where people might experience severe reactions like blindness.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Even so, Olsson still remained her biggest critic.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Kitchen staff pile the plates high with big portions, ensuring leftovers to take home.
    Joe Marusak April 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The advisory warns of snow, sleet, and heavy rain, with conditions likely to make roads slippery and hazardous.
    Eric Henderson, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Which is also super hazardous for someone in a massive suit running around [laughs].
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Such hearings are often performatively theatrical, but this seemed like earnest moral outrage.
    Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Cunk on Earth plays like a Daily Show segment spread out across five hours, in which viewers watch the earnest — and ofttimes exasperated — talking heads field inane questions from Morgan’s uproariously daft Cunk.
    Andrew Walsh, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Following the price gouging session, two major refineries — Valero in the San Francisco Bay Area and Wilmington Phillips 66 in the Los Angeles area — have shut down, taking hundreds of jobs and nearly one-fifth of the state's gasoline production with them.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • On Day 1, the astronauts made it safely into Earth's orbit and the mission reached the end of its first major propulsion phase, NASA said.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Serious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serious. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on serious

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster