1
as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
I'm serious when I say that no one should be walking in that neighborhood at night
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in important
having a matter of importance as its topic
a very serious film that dealt with the aftermath of the Gulf War
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury
a serious accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of serious
British voters who are angry with their government might find some small consolation in the fact that on their side of the Atlantic Ocean, ethical lapses can still carry a serious political price.
—
Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2025
But regardless of the motive, there are serious penalties at stake for those placing these swatting calls, Boyce said.
—ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025
More serious collectors may prefer waddling to the local Cars & Coffee with an earlier VW, recalling a kinder, gentler, and far slower-paced time than our present age.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
Pediatricians, though, are particularly concerned about the risk to children younger than 2, who are at serious risk of severe complications from COVID-19.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for serious
Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2025
But regardless of the motive, there are serious penalties at stake for those placing these swatting calls, Boyce said.
—ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025
More serious collectors may prefer waddling to the local Cars & Coffee with an earlier VW, recalling a kinder, gentler, and far slower-paced time than our present age.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
Pediatricians, though, are particularly concerned about the risk to children younger than 2, who are at serious risk of severe complications from COVID-19.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for serious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serious
Adjective
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Cape Town overflows with history and culture, from the colorful houses and Cape Malay heritage of Bo-Kaap to the solemn shores of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Perhaps that should be a solemn oath for all AI makers.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The plants captured more carbon without drawing more water, an important factor for real-world applications.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Whatever happens in their final qualifier, against Argentina on Tuesday, La Tri will travel to the World Cup next summer as one of South America’s most dangerous teams.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
To dissidents, she has been seen as a hero putting her life on the line; to Modi’s supporters, as a dangerous subversive who is anti-national and anti-Hindu.—
Anderson Tepper,
The Atlantic,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Responding firefighters discovered Maureen in the living room with severe burns, a fractured larynx and soot in her airway, the DA's office said.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Stroud isn’t blameless in the Texans’ severe pass-protection issues dating to last year.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The bowl is big, almost as wide across as a soccer ball.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Sep. 2025
-
There were big donations for conservation efforts, including donations to help protect the Vjosa River in Albania.—
David Gelles,
Time,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Try dropping these items at a local hazardous waste disposal site.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and other hazardous areas.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Nicholson worked closely with choreographer Corey Baker to develop her character’s clunky, earnest dance style.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
7 Sep. 2025
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While the homage is heartfelt, and certainly packs its share of genuine laughs, the end result can’t escape feeling like a hodgepodge, incapable of cohesively blending the satirical elements with the earnest messaging foremost on its mind.—
Michael Rechtshaffen,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In 2024, Nepal ranked 107th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, with 84% of people perceiving government corruption to be a major problem.—
Nir Kshetri,
The Conversation,
14 Sep. 2025
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The Atlanta carrier plummeted from first place in 2022 to seventh in 2024 — the biggest drop of any major airline.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Serious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serious. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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