serial 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsir-ē-əl How to pronounce serial (audio)
Definition of serialnext
as in serialized
appearing in parts or numbers that follow regularly "Uncle Tom's Cabin" first appeared as a serial novel from 1851 to 1852

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serial

2 of 2

noun

as in periodical
a publication that appears at regular intervals the university library has a vast collection of serials

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 serial
Adjective
Investigators in Paulding County are searching for more possible victims of a man authorities are calling a serial rapist. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Ellis’ autofiction book follows a group of high school students in 1980s Los Angeles as a serial killer roams the city. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
While only the first two episodes managed to survive the original live broadcast, the serial still went on to have a huge impact on science fiction. — William Worrall, Space.com, 15 July 2026 Also in 1964, Pettet appeared on an episode of ABC’s Route 66 and began a stint as a nurse on the NBC daytime serial The Doctors. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for serial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serial
  1. serialized
  2. periodical
  3. newspaper
  4. journal
  5. book
  6. magazine
Adjective
  • Noiser presents each story as a serialized listening experience in the podcast apps people already use every day.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Seen together, the trilogy charts both a personal coming-of-age and a generational coming-to-grips with aging that, even when compared against similar serialized documentary experiments like Michael Apted’s 7 Up installments, feels wholly unique.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of serialized
Noun
  • People who might be lucky to have a roof over their heads gathered there to read American books and periodicals, watch American movies, listen to lectures about America, tap their toes to jazz from America.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • It is anticipated that all IEEE periodicals will be included in the Integrity Hub screening by the end of this year.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 30 July 2026
Definition of periodical
Noun
  • Amos Harel, a senior security analyst for the leftwing Haaretz newspaper, says that both the security and political explanations are relevant.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Deborah Riley Draper directed film the film on the mixed media artist who created with photos, newspaper clippings, oils, ink, fabric and other material.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of newspaper
Noun
  • To anchor the novel’s period accuracy, Kepnes drew on her own handwritten coffee shop journals and disposable camera photos from her time living in the West Village.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Tang’s latest study, published Monday in the journal JAMA Network Open, analyzed more than 3 million patient message threads from the Mass General Brigham electronic health record system.
    — Elise Haulund, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of journal
Noun
  • Inside, antique art hangs on walls, tamgroute (local pottery) lines small alcoves, board games are stacked inside cupboards, and coffee table books have plenty to dive into.
    — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2026
  • What books or recent reading projects have been particularly meaningful experiences to you?
    — Geoffrey O’Brien, The New York Review of Books, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of book
Noun
  • The film centered on Andie (Hudson), a magazine editor aiming to write an article about ways that women push men away.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The plans are kept confidential until the royal dies, People magazine reported.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of magazine

Browse Nearby Words

sergeants
serial
serialize
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Cite this Entry

“Serial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serial. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on serial

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about serial

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