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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of staid are earnest, grave, sedate, serious, sober, and solemn. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.

a quiet and staid community

Where would earnest be a reasonable alternative to staid?

While the synonyms earnest and staid are close in meaning, earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

When can grave be used instead of staid?

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

read the proclamation in a grave voice

When is sedate a more appropriate choice than staid?

The meanings of sedate and staid largely overlap; however, sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

In what contexts can serious take the place of staid?

The words serious and staid can be used in similar contexts, but serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

When could sober be used to replace staid?

In some situations, the words sober and staid are roughly equivalent. However, sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When would solemn be a good substitute for staid?

The words solemn and staid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

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 staid Meanwhile, after rising by 23% last year and 24% in 2023, the S&P 500 is up less than 3% so far this year; there is an unusual amount of jitters in the normally staid bond market; and the US dollar has broadly weakened after rising 7% last year. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 12 June 2025 Cricket might be a British Commonwealth sport, evoking staid images of players in all whites with bat and ball in hand in green pastures, but it is entirely ruled by India with an iron fist. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 At their worst, steakhouses make diners feel trapped among the creamed spinaches, wedge salads, half-hearted seafood offerings, staid decor, and big Napa Cabs only an expense account could love. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 14 June 2025 For one, such a staid outlet may be uncomfortable with reporting that could be offensive or misconstrued as reflecting its editorial line. David Silverberg, JSTOR Daily, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for staid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staid
Adjective
  • The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • The eventual confirmation of his passing, delivered by solemn White House and medical officials, triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, even from those who had been his staunchest opponents.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And finally, a tree with serious diseases or pests that might infect the rest of the neighborhood should be removed as soon as possible.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
  • Almeida had a bloodied hand at the finish but wasn’t showing visible signs of a serious injury.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Bruce Yandle is a distinguished adjunct fellow with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and former executive director of the Federal Trade Commission.
    Bruce Yandle, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
  • Only the day before, the distinguished British medical journal the Lancet published a study warning about the potential consequences now looming.
    Butch Meily, Fortune, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, the slow collision of Ray’s two worlds unfolds with the stern casualness of two business acquaintances meeting for dinner.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 July 2025
  • Bill Pogue’s family and friends knew him as a thoughtful, deeply sensitive man, despite his reputation as a gruff, stern, wildlife officer.
    Jim Zumbo, Outdoor Life, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Of course there's the late, great Christopher Reeve, who delivers the dual portrayal (physically awkward nerd and calmly dignified heroism) all others continue to be judged by.
    Will Harris, EW.com, 11 July 2025
  • What’s more, the Senate used to be a more dignified, less partisan place — especially when compared with the fractious House.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • More decorous versions simply excluded Jews, Blacks, and others to create those ethnic enclaves Vance decries in the form of elite institutions from country clubs to, formerly, Congress and the courts.
    Rebecca Solnit August 23, Literary Hub, 23 Aug. 2024
  • Instead, they are selected and rearranged to form a narrative of gradual debasement: a semantic descent from the decorous to the vulgar, often ending with crude references to the body.
    Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Marten, 38, grew up in a wealthy, aristocratic family with ties to the royal family.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 19 July 2025
  • Audiences online have reveled in this pivot from Hoult, whose aristocratic vibe has made for great period dramas but never juiced his off-duty style.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Staid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staid. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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