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serious-minded

adjective

Definition of serious-mindednext
as in earnest

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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-minded But a bigger problem is that his earnest, hard-working performance can’t help but utilize the same tools now familiar from much less serious-minded contexts. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 12 Nov. 2025 Gore then spent eight years earning a reputation as a smart, serious-minded governing partner to Clinton. — Time, 3 Nov. 2025 Shane Hollander, the serious-minded captain of the Montreal Meteors, and star and playboy Ilya Rozanov of the Boston Bears are played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, respectively. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025 In this more serious-minded (and Madea-free) movie from Perry, Idris Elba plays Monty, a hard-working father who loses custody of his daughters to his drug-addled wife (Tasha Smith). — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for serious-minded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serious-minded
  1. earnest
  2. serious
  3. introspective
  4. somber
  5. solemn
  6. philosophical
  7. sedate
Adjective
  • The paper was a propaganda tool, and whatever Grossman may have wished to write, at first all the editors would permit were inspiring, deadly earnest pieces full of generalities.
    — Nick Holdstock, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Gurjar writes from a reflective, earnest place about navigating the two cities—the significance of cultural preservation, and how cooking brought her closer to herself.
    — The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of earnest
Adjective
  • Which brings us to a question no serious Oilers fan would have entertained before the Savoie news.
    — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In the years that followed, Ortiz was involved in at least two more serious car accidents.
    — Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • The music was imbued with grace and dignity in both its most introspective and uplifting moments.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • For Sézalory, Sézane has always been introspective, informed by her personal taste and dress sense.
    — Alice Cary, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of introspective
Adjective
  • The actor-director continued on a more somber note, driving home the importance of free speech.
    — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Davis was much more somber, and his attorney, Wayne Higgins, is heard frequently admonishing his client for volunteering unnecessary information.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of somber
Adjective
  • For those seeking a solemn moment of reflection or a way to give back, here’s a guide to area events commemorating 9/11’s 25th anniversary, running from Wednesday through the weekend.
    — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 8 Sep. 2026
  • This year, Haitians are marching under more solemn circumstances than in prior years.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • The original attempt to not exactly make sense, but give some kind of philosophical account of what’s going on with this measurement problem.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Yudkowsky took such tropes of rebellion and rule-breaking and built a philosophical apparatus around them.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of philosophical
Adjective
  • The relative seclusion of the sedate suburb likely appeals to sports stars looking for privacy.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Easy to find on Johnston’s sedate 86th Street, the private setting conveniently provides easy access around the region.
    — Richard Lane, Des Moines Register, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of sedate

Browse Nearby Words

seriously
serious-minded
serious-mindedness
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Cite this Entry

“Serious-minded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serious-minded. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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