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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of serious are earnest, grave, sedate, sober, solemn, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

In what contexts can earnest take the place of serious?

Although the words earnest and serious have much in common, earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

When would grave be a good substitute for serious?

While in some cases nearly identical to serious, grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.

read the proclamation in a grave voice

When is it sensible to use sedate instead of serious?

While the synonyms sedate and serious are close in meaning, sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

Where would sober be a reasonable alternative to serious?

The words sober and serious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When might solemn be a better fit than serious?

The synonyms solemn and serious are sometimes interchangeable, but solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

When is staid a more appropriate choice than serious?

In some situations, the words staid and serious 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 serious Thankfully, nothing more serious happened to the Browns' signal caller. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025 There aren’t serious risks to eating too many carrots. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2025 And yet, after his serious drinking problem deep-sixed his professional relationship with the composer — who then went on to form a far more famous and fruitful collaboration with Hammerstein — Hart was relegated to something like a footnote in his friend’s story. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for serious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serious
Adjective
  • Banners hang from the eaves of many houses, a solemn reminder to mark where residents were either killed or kidnapped.
    NBC News, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Yom Kippur is the most solemn Jewish holiday, marking the end of the 10 Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • See the sportsbook operator's terms and conditions for important details.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Hat tips go to left tackle Jaylon Moore — who stepped in for Josh Simmons at the last minute, against one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the league — and, of course, Kelce.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There are some legitimate medical uses for fentanyl, including post-surgery and severe pain relief, but it is often mixed in with other illicit drugs and can be fatal.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The devastation was so severe that rebuilding and recovery seemed years away.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Shanahan said the plan was for Pinnock to play big nickel against the Buccaneers but that there weren’t any scenarios for that alignment during the game.
    Matt Barrows, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Projected by some pundits to land higher in the draft, the 6-foot-7 big man’s fall was the Hornets’ gain.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • These alerts address hazards such as sneaker waves, rip currents, shore break, and hazardous surf—all of which can lead to serious injury or death for swimmers, surfers, and coastal visitors.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Chicken in a steam table and gyro meat on the vertical rotisserie, both potentially hazardous foods, measured at temperatures outside the range considered safe.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Accordingly, the company represents various public figures forging brand partnerships that feel earnest to their values and personalities.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Some of that earnest earthiness comes through in how Safdie interacts with the moviegoing public.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With that being said, there has been a major injury scenario leading up to the game.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Young people in Africa have been increasingly vocal, calling for major reforms amid growing unrest.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Serious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serious. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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