1
as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
I'm serious when I say that no one should be walking in that neighborhood at night
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in important
having a matter of importance as its topic
a very serious film that dealt with the aftermath of the Gulf War
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury
a serious accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
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a serious injury
serious questions
a serious concern
a substantial concern
a significant concern
a considerable concern
a major concern
an important concern
serious doubts
a serious effort
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of serious
Sarah Klein, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
At the same time, there were reports that some schools were not properly documenting serious misbehavior – hiding high or disparate rates of discipline.
—F. Chris Curran, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
For just $4, this Creme of Nature’s Argan Oil for Hair Intensive Conditioning Treatment delivers serious moisture, softness, and shine to dry and lifeless strands.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 30 Apr. 2025
Emergency personnel transported the injured person to a nearby trauma center with serious injuries, officials said.
—Doc Louallen, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for serious
Adjective
The Two Words to Say When Someone Comments on Your Hygiene
While the tablets can make your mouth itchy, the risk of serious side effects is low.
—Sarah Klein, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
At the same time, there were reports that some schools were not properly documenting serious misbehavior – hiding high or disparate rates of discipline.
—F. Chris Curran, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
For just $4, this Creme of Nature’s Argan Oil for Hair Intensive Conditioning Treatment delivers serious moisture, softness, and shine to dry and lifeless strands.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 30 Apr. 2025
Emergency personnel transported the injured person to a nearby trauma center with serious injuries, officials said.
—Doc Louallen, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for serious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serious
Adjective
-
President Trump Makes His Entrance At Pope Francis' Funeral By Emma Marsden Freelance News Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 7 Pope Francis' funeral took place in a solemn ceremony at the Vatican on Saturday, drawing hundreds of thousands of mourners from around the world.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
-
The solemn ceremony will draw world leaders from around the globe.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Three Key Lessons: Pareek’s Insights into Innovation Over the course of his career, Pareek has learned many important lessons.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Big-ticket buying Washing machines are seen for sale at a home improvement store in Falls Church, Virginia, February 3, 2025, following the announcement of tariffs by US President Donald Trump on important goods from Canada and Mexico.—
Sara Salinas,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The album calls out what Young sees as dangerous overreach by corporate interests into food systems and public health.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Apr. 2025
-
On April 26, flash flooding forced emergency water rescues in Duncan, Oklahoma, while dangerous flooding was reported in the cities of Norman and Moore.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
April 2022 water levels Prior to 2023, California was experiencing severe, widespread drought.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
-
As recently as January, the Liberals trailed the Conservatives by almost twenty points in the polls, owing to a wave of severe, if sometimes incoherent, dissatisfaction with Trudeau.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Denny was a big John Bonham freak, and that’s just pure Bonham right there.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Apr. 2025
-
But the Cavaliers responded by outscoring the Heat 61-35 over the rest of the first half to enter halftime with a big 68-51 lead behind scorching 14-of-23 (60.9 percent) shooting from three-point range in the first two quarters.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Although with the right tools, tough jobs can be a lot easier, faster, and even less hazardous in the case of sharp tools.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Allowed to crumble into disrepair by its owners, the Meruelo family, the famous hotel was ordered demolished by the city as a hazardous structure.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
At each vote, a cardinal will write his choice on a piece of paper, process up to Michaelangelo’s giant fresco of the last judgment – which serves as a reminder of the gravity and sacredness of their responsibility – and drop his ballot in a chalice.—
Peter Pinedo,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
The real-life developments have lent new gravity to the film's depiction of the papal election process—a secretive, tradition-laden event now in motion in Rome.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This will prevent them from losing the deposit paid to take the house off the market, also known as earnest money.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Apr. 2025
-
The episode starts in earnest with final runway looks.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Serious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serious. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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