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
These sports spectacles should be a moment for City Hall to project competence, stability, and seriousness.
—
Matt Klink, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
Prosecutors had urged the judge ahead of Thursday's hearing to order Allen to remain in custody in the lead-up to a trial, arguing in court papers that the seriousness of the charges warranted his continued detention.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Tackle weighty subjects without falling into the trap of self-seriousness.
—Rob Wile, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
Mayor Mamdani understands the deadly seriousness of the task ahead.
—Jonathan Lippman, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
No combination of stilettos and old-fashioned shoe-leather can temper the fact that integrity, talent, hard work, and a dedication to treating everything from fashion to the moving pictures with seriousness is in perpetual danger of extinction.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026
Due to the seriousness and chronicity of diabetes, scientists have launched an extensive and ongoing investigation into the potential role of supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids, in both preventing diabetes and serving as an adjunct to traditional diabetes medications.
—Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2026
Not to underplay the seriousness of the situation, of course, but the suspect never made it inside.
—Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
The Timberwolves gathered around DiVincenzo, recognizing the potential seriousness of his injury.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Matt Klink, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
Prosecutors had urged the judge ahead of Thursday's hearing to order Allen to remain in custody in the lead-up to a trial, arguing in court papers that the seriousness of the charges warranted his continued detention.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Tackle weighty subjects without falling into the trap of self-seriousness.
—Rob Wile, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
Mayor Mamdani understands the deadly seriousness of the task ahead.
—Jonathan Lippman, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
No combination of stilettos and old-fashioned shoe-leather can temper the fact that integrity, talent, hard work, and a dedication to treating everything from fashion to the moving pictures with seriousness is in perpetual danger of extinction.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026
Due to the seriousness and chronicity of diabetes, scientists have launched an extensive and ongoing investigation into the potential role of supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids, in both preventing diabetes and serving as an adjunct to traditional diabetes medications.
—Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2026
Not to underplay the seriousness of the situation, of course, but the suspect never made it inside.
—Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
The Timberwolves gathered around DiVincenzo, recognizing the potential seriousness of his injury.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seriousness
Noun
-
When one of these clouds fragments into parts, gravity causes pockets within the fragments to collapse, with the density and temperature at the core of each pocket rising.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The probe was delayed from 2022, and headed for the asteroid Psyche, using a Mars-gravity assist and not arriving until August 2029.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Kapetan’s yearning, intimate voice is still front and center, mixing and modernizing elements of favorites of the aughts like Conor Oberst (his earnestness), Ben Kweller (his wit), and Sufjan Stevens (his beauty).—
Brendan Hay,
SPIN,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Not too serious or sappy, but with room for both earnestness and whimsy.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There were plenty of moments of silliness to go along with the solemnity in Tuesday’s show.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Good Friday and Holy Saturday will be observed in local Catholic churches with characteristic solemnity, dignity and beauty.—
From staff reports,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Seriousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seriousness. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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