Definition of staidnext

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 The staid, old-school Giants continued their stunning, all-out pursuit of John Harbaugh on Wednesday by flying him into New Jersey on co-owner Steve Tisch’s private jet, which was tracked by seasoned Internet sleuths and hopeful Giants fans alike. Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026 For the record, last year’s Golden Globes weren’t super political either, but this year’s felt even more staid and family friendly. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026 Despite its often staid and stuffy reputation, the subject of wine is truly intriguing and dynamic, especially for those of us whose job is not just tasting wine but also taking regular deep dives into the story behind the story. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 4 Jan. 2026 At the one-of-a-kind Deep Ocean Spa, the first thalassotherapy center in French Polynesia, you’re given a pareu and flip-flops as an alternative to the staid robe and slippers. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for staid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staid
Adjective
  • Queen Emma was the first to wear the sapphire tiara in official portraits and solemn ceremonies, setting a precedent that her successors respected.
    Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians, who may reflect, fast and attend special church services.
    Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The team had already excavated the other three corners of a narrow tomb occupied by an imposing, unnamed sarcophagus.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
  • The most imposing building on Main Street is a gun shop called Chandler’s Firearms Estates, on the corner of East Church Street.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Fajardo-Acosta described him as an extremely serious person who also possessed a good sense of humor, spoke very eloquently and read all the time.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Lawmaker Jorge Arreaza, who presented the bill, highlighted these carve-outs to ensure the measure does not shield serious offenses.
    Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Not only did the 18-year-old make his senior debut for Chelsea in the FA Cup away to Hull City, but a few days earlier, without fans knowing, the forward took on the distinguished role of club mascot, Stamford the Lion.
    Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Kristen Monroe is the chancellor’s distinguished professor and director of the Ethics Center at the University of California at Irvine.
    Kristen Monroe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The captain ultimately ordered lifeboats lowered, and the ship went down stern first.
    Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Perhaps the solution is as simple as Miss Manners issuing a polite, but stern, PSA or a witty bon mot discouraging this practice.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • While a bookshelf does the similar work of getting things off the floor and into their dignified place, many simply aren’t deep enough or tall enough to properly house your oeuvre.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Nothing is too inconsequential to be afforded its own dignified place in the family of things.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Lee Martino’s choreography, like the production as a whole, is at its best when observing decorous constraints.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Paul has to buck the prevailing suffragist movement led by Carrie Chapman Catt, whose methods are more decorous and patient.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The American groups always had very aristocratic, wonderful names.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
  • According to English Heritage, the charity which maintains the property, the rooms were first used by royal and aristocratic children and their attendants.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Staid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staid. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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