PO-FACED Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

po-faced

adjective

ˈpō-ˌfāst

Definition of po-faced

British

as in solemn

not joking or playful in mood or manner we rarely invite her to our parties because she's always so po-faced

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for po-faced

Adjective

Preservationists also say that the arch’s scale would overwhelm the solemn character of Arlington National Cemetery.

— Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026
Nolan’s more solemn final act attempts too much and doesn’t develop some key moments.

— Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 July 2026

Definition of solemn

Adjective

The claim and counterclaim are among serious allegations – including of smear campaigns and embezzlement – aired in multiple court cases now swirling around the production of the Australian musical comedy.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Deputies followed behind and reported no serious injuries related to the rolling sedan.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 22 July 2026

Definition of serious

Adjective

Most include a warning of no refunds and a stern caution to know the limits of one’s own taste buds—something too many poor souls choose to ignore.

— Ellen Fort, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026
There’s also hints of vulnerability and genuine tenderness in her stern headmistress of the bedroom, which Wilde slips in just slyly enough to let the presence of a heart peek through all the brainy brashness and hormone overload.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026

Definition of stern

Adjective

Walker joins as the imposing, entitled and humorless Peter Van Laar III, the wealthy heir to the Van Laar estate, whose behavior is a struggle for both his wife, Alice, and 13-year-old daughter.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 May 2026
Patton, a notoriously tough and humorless commander, considered Willy and Joe to be a threat to discipline and morale — quite the opposite of the way many fans saw them.

— Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026

Definition of humorless

Adjective

While attending the Filming Italy Venice Award red carpet at the film festival in September 2024, they were captured giving earnest smiles.

— Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
Holland’s jittery, earnest, winsome take on the iconic 64-year-old comic iconic was instantly likable, radiating teen-geek charisma.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026

Definition of earnest

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.

Browse Nearby Words

poets laureate

po-faced

pogrom

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Po-faced.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/po-faced. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of po-faced

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

colloquial

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes