serf

Definition of serfnext
as in slave
a person in the past who belonged to a low social class and who lived and worked on land owned by another person Medieval serfs who tended land owned by a lord.

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for serf
Noun
  • Even during his lifetime, Washington faced criticism for holding slaves.
    John Garrison Marks, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Newsom has thrown himself behind progressive stances on affirmative action, crime, and reparations, having recently signed a bill to create an agency that will deliver restitution to the descendants of slaves.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • One of his wackier ideas involved Italian gondolas, grass huts and servants dressed in Tahitian clothing.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
  • And multiple servants in white gloves to tend to the pugs.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 19 Jan. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Serf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serf. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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