as in intentness
a mental state free of jesting or trifling
we knew from the doctor's seriousness that she didn't have good news
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Recent Examples of seriousness
At the start of the novel, Lane’s seriousness appears to have served her well.
—
Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025
These after-action reports usually take four to six weeks to produce, but because of the seriousness of the injuries in this case, the report could take longer, Hill said.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2025
In all seriousness, Pascal’s nimble and witty performance as Martell dazzled audiences, both with his winning personality and beautiful, ethically non-monogamous relationship with princess Ellaria Sand.
—Catherine Mhloyi, Them., 29 Oct. 2025
However, depending on the seriousness of Judkins' injury, Cleveland may rethink Ford's immediate future.
—Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
If anything, Purdy’s condition sheds some light on the seriousness of turf toe.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2025
Industry platforms such as Hong Kong Fashion Fest, initiated and supported by the HKSAR government, should be leveraged not just as celebrations of creativity, but as global stages to showcase our seriousness and leadership in sustainability.
—Sunny Tan, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025
The escalating, hysterical hijinks are grounded in convincing dramatic stakes, and only our comic heroes are allowed to be funny, as the monster actors dutifully honor the hammy seriousness of their characters.
—Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
According to the Roberts Commission of 1942, the key lesson was the need to treat enemy intentions and public warnings with far greater seriousness than before.
—Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025
Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025
These after-action reports usually take four to six weeks to produce, but because of the seriousness of the injuries in this case, the report could take longer, Hill said.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2025
In all seriousness, Pascal’s nimble and witty performance as Martell dazzled audiences, both with his winning personality and beautiful, ethically non-monogamous relationship with princess Ellaria Sand.
—Catherine Mhloyi, Them., 29 Oct. 2025
However, depending on the seriousness of Judkins' injury, Cleveland may rethink Ford's immediate future.
—Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
If anything, Purdy’s condition sheds some light on the seriousness of turf toe.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2025
Industry platforms such as Hong Kong Fashion Fest, initiated and supported by the HKSAR government, should be leveraged not just as celebrations of creativity, but as global stages to showcase our seriousness and leadership in sustainability.
—Sunny Tan, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025
The escalating, hysterical hijinks are grounded in convincing dramatic stakes, and only our comic heroes are allowed to be funny, as the monster actors dutifully honor the hammy seriousness of their characters.
—Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
According to the Roberts Commission of 1942, the key lesson was the need to treat enemy intentions and public warnings with far greater seriousness than before.
—Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seriousness
Noun
-
For her part, BunnaB, beloved for her infectious, near-constant laughs, has separated herself from this ascendant pack by infusing her bubbly disposition, girl’s girl attitude, unfettered authenticity — and the unmistakable gravity of earning a second shot.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Oral arguments, typically constrained to an hour (allocating 30 minutes for each side), will be expanded, underscoring the gravity and complexity of the case.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Listen to him bum-rush a workers’ union meeting and begin describing, with over-enthusiastic earnestness, how dogs get a raw deal.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Though the score is anthem-heavy and earnestness is always hovering, there are moments in the show that are transcendent.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Certain extreme situations, of course, resist any tone other than solemnity, but not many.—
Willing Davidson,
New Yorker,
19 Oct. 2025
-
There are dozens of little moments of quiet kindness and profound mourning, of gentle reflection and solemnity, of nature reaching out to Atsu, and by proxy, the player.—
Alyssa Mercante,
Rolling Stone,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Seriousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seriousness. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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