grave 1 of 3

Definition of gravenext

grave

2 of 3

adjective

1
as in serious
having a matter of importance as its topic leaving gossip and celebrities to other magazines, this journal focuses on the grave issues confronting the nation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4

grave

3 of 3

verb

as in to etch
to cut (as letters or designs) on a hard surface the doomed climber graved his initials into the rock face

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of grave are earnest, sedate, serious, sober, solemn, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.

read the proclamation in a grave voice

When can earnest be used instead of grave?

The synonyms earnest and grave are sometimes interchangeable, but earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

Where would sedate be a reasonable alternative to grave?

The words sedate and grave can be used in similar contexts, but sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

When would serious be a good substitute for grave?

While the synonyms serious and grave are close in meaning, serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

In what contexts can sober take the place of grave?

Although the words sober and grave have much in common, sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When is solemn a more appropriate choice than grave?

The words solemn and grave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

When might staid be a better fit than grave?

In some situations, the words staid and grave 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 grave
Noun
And because the war was still on, the arsenal was quickly rebuilt and brought back online while those who perished were placed in a mass grave in the Allegheny Cemetery, marked only today by one large stone, tucked away on the far side of the burial grounds. Christopher Derose, CBS News, 26 June 2026 According to them, at least 22 shallow graves have been unearthed in the immediate vicinity of the Estadio Akron, host of four World Cup games, situated on open scrub to the city’s west. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Adjective
More to Explore In one case, after a man was fired from a famine road, a crew of his buddies broke into the overseer’s house and left a note threatening grave retribution if his job was not restored. Amelia Soth, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2026 Funding that is distributed to governments or organizations working in repressive countries carries the grave risk of empowering security actors that not only impinge on the rights of refugees but also those of citizens. Kelsey Norman, The Conversation, 18 June 2026
Verb
Understand cash inflow from cradle to grave and look at the forecast and cash flow weekly, holding everyone accountable for knowing their numbers and delivering on their numbers. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 Las acciones de Google son especialmente insensibles y graves ante el cierre administrativo temporal del gobierno (shutdown), ignorando las peticiones de funcionarios gubernamentales y organizaciones hispanas que les solicitaron mantener la programación de Univision en el paquete principal. Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grave
Noun
  • In the Valley of the Kings, guides suggest specific tombs based on what you’re drawn to, whether intricate artwork, historical significance, or lighter crowds, while explaining what the decorations convey about ancient beliefs and power.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026
  • The soldiers, gifts from the sister city of Xi’an, China, are replicas of some of the 7,000 life-sized terra-cotta warriors found at the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
    Eric Adler June 24, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Benning's cause of death was a fatal combination of a large amount of cocaine dissolved in alcohol, medical examiners testified during Taylor's trial.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • According to a Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner death investigation report obtained by USA TODAY on July 1, Ransone's brother told an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department that the actor had a history of suicidal ideation.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Perhaps most notably, in several areas along the Western Front during World War I, British and German troops spontaneously observed an unofficial truce to celebrate the Christmas holiday and bury their dead.
    Steve S. Medeiros, The Conversation, 15 June 2026
  • The Navy helped turn one of the few places where its dead still rest in view of the living into a recreation stop.
    Jon Duffy, Twin Cities, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • Beijing has and been accused of serious human violations, including large-scale arbitrary detention of Uyghur and other Muslim minorities, in Xinjiang.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • Prosecutors said Anthony Edmond and Rafael Enriquez face the most serious charges, including conspiracy involving firearms trafficking, machineguns and drug trafficking.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Others develop dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms because the autonomic nervous system becomes affected.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • Sometimes, the streets appear glittering; other times, seedy and dangerous.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Ureña, a 22-year-old right-hander who has emerged as another potential ace, speaks of Soriano with a giddy amusement mixed with a solemn respect for how the starter has survived in the big leagues.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Dozens of firefighters lined the street in a solemn salute to their fallen colleagues.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • While the artist’s work resonates with audiences around the world, Miami’s deep Caribbean and Latin American cultures, central to the city’s identity, may allow many visitors to connect in a deeper way.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
  • The delightful and deceptively deep family mystery comedy stars Hugh Jackman as an English shepherd (Hugh Jackman) who is found dead.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • His work was later etched into metal plates and used to mass-produce publicity prints.
    Julius Miller, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Evidence of this residue can be seen as water spots or etching glass surfaces, clean laundry that feels stiff and scratchy, and toilet bowl rings that trap bacteria.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grave. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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