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 One way to claim that grace was through displays of spirit, which the right music could coax out of even the most staid congregants. Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2025 Chance’s production is deceivingly straightforward and staid. Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025 Crossbodies with flaps, one of the most staid and practical silhouettes on the market, popped up over and over again on the fall runways, including at Khaite, Burberry, and Calvin Klein. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2025 Much of the composition is given to the trio of commissioners who, tasked with investigating charges of bias in the trial, upheld the verdict—their faces sagging and stony, their staid officiousness echoing the resolute lines of the courthouse behind them. Nicole Rudick, The New York Review of Books, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for staid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staid
Adjective
  • With interest growing significantly in recent years, attendees are reminded that this is a solemn event.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The elephants were more solemn and inward-looking than we are typically shown, the zebras startlingly intricate and finely drawn.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, the Sens could’ve benefitted from them being more imposing.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • At the heart of the property is the tahona, used to grind the agave used to make mezcal; this one is solar-powered though no less imposing.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • If Haaland isn’t my choice here, there should be serious consideration at The Athletic about sacking me.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • As for the safety of the drug, about 10% of the adults taking enlicitide experienced serious adverse events during the study and a similar share, about 12%, of those taking a placebo experienced adverse events in the study.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The evening convenes business and government leaders, distinguished military representatives and dignitaries to honor the military and veteran community, which is one of Harry's close causes.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The two-time Ivy League graduate and distinguished attorney has already penned multiple books that topped The New York Times bestsellers list.
    Essence, Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • On Academy Street, taken over by Dominicans, the Fourth translated into a jubilant handful of families and neighbors on each stretch of sidewalk, with speakers, folding chairs, and beer bottles at the foot of stern buildings.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The boat can easily accommodate a dozen guests, thanks to the abundant seating, including a rear-facing lounge at the stern and bow lounge.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Direct, unconditional cash support is proven an effective, dignified way to strengthen families during times of rapid change.
    Erin Hogeboom, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Andrew is a damaging distraction to the Royal Family's dignified role of service.
    Christina Dugan Ramirez , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Who decides what’s decorous and what’s vulgar?
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
  • California native of the week: California geranium (Geranium californium) is a perennial endemic to the Sierra Nevada that grows into a one-foot mound bearing flowers in white, pink, or lavender with large, highly decorous palmate leaves.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, meanwhile, is located in the former hunting lodge of the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg, and its Munich branch sits at the former Bavarian State Bank headquarters and the adjacent Palais Neuhaus-Preysing, originally an aristocratic residence from the 1700s.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Federalist critics in Congress argued the colonnades looked aristocratic.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Staid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staid. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on staid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!