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
Relevance
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
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 serious
Hoffner begins the creative process on his computer, which includes serious graphic design software.
—
Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Until now, applicants for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process must have lived in the country for three to five years as legal permanent residents, in addition to having no serious criminal record and passing a civics and English test.
—Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
There’s a narcotic detective, Roman (Regina King), who’s aggressively sniffing around after Hank catches a serious beating.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025
But even though the Broncos may see a drop in production, there doesn’t appear to be a truly serious contender to snag the conference throne from them.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for serious
Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Until now, applicants for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process must have lived in the country for three to five years as legal permanent residents, in addition to having no serious criminal record and passing a civics and English test.
—Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
There’s a narcotic detective, Roman (Regina King), who’s aggressively sniffing around after Hank catches a serious beating.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025
But even though the Broncos may see a drop in production, there doesn’t appear to be a truly serious contender to snag the conference throne from them.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for serious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serious
Adjective
-
There really isn’t any ambiguity here: Congress must debate and deliberate over the solemn decision to declare and make war, and the executive carries out its mandates as commander in chief.—
Chris Lehmann,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
-
For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a solemn occasion where Imam Hussain, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, and many of his companions and family members are remembered and honored after being killed in the Battle of Karbala in Iraq in A.D. 680.—
Nour Rahal,
Freep.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Moon Alert: After 2 a.m. EDT, there are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Fuller was initially charged with first-degree reckless homicide, but agreed to plead no contest to second-degree reckless homicide with a use of a dangerous weapon modifier.—
Drake Bentley,
jsonline.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Besides being a nuisance, mosquitoes can spread dangerous diseases.—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Beware of box tree moths At the top of this list is a severe problem everyone with boxwood shrubs should be concerned about.—
Chris McKeown,
The Enquirer,
30 Aug. 2025
-
The outbreak of the disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, is believed to have spread from mist released by cooling towers used to regulate temperature inside buildings.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
To come out the gate for our first pop-up with his stamp of approval is like being picked up by a big team.—
Lyndsay C. Green,
Freep.com,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Ahlquist’s project is the last big development to come to the area east and west of Ten Mile Road north of I-84 that is guided by the city’s Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan adopted in 2007.—
Marcus Dorsey,
Idaho Statesman,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
23 Aug. 2025
-
The National Weather Service’s Boston office has also issued advisories for hazardous marine conditions on coastal waters.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Punk is urban, decadent, and indifferent; hardcore is suburban, disciplined, and deadly earnest.—
Chris R. Morgan,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Lyrically, the songs come from the most clear-headed and earnest space that Waldon has likely occupied in years.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Among the new customers were more than 50 Global 2000 companies, representing major enterprises willing to undertake complex, multi-year infrastructure overhauls.—
Steve McDowell,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Serious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serious. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share