SERIOUS Synonyms: 184 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'serious' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of serious are earnest , grave , sedate , sober , solemn , and staid . While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," serious implies a concern for what really matters. // a serious play about social injustice

Q: In what contexts can 'earnest' take the place of 'serious'?

Although the words earnest and serious have much in common, earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose. // an earnest reformer

Q: When would 'grave' be a good substitute for 'serious'?

While in some cases nearly identical to serious , grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude. // read the proclamation in a grave voice

Q: When is it sensible to use 'sedate' instead of 'serious'?

While the synonyms sedate and serious are close in meaning, sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness. // remained sedate amid the commotion

Q: Where would 'sober' be a reasonable alternative to 'serious'?

The words sober and serious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity. // a sober look at the state of our schools

Q: When might 'solemn' be a better fit than 'serious'?

The synonyms solemn and serious are sometimes interchangeable, but solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity. // a sad and solemn occasion

Q: When is 'staid' a more appropriate choice than 'serious'?

In some situations, the words staid and serious are roughly equivalent. However, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint. // a quiet and staid community

serious

adjective

ˈsir-ē-əs

Definition of serious next

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

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

as in dangerous

involving potential loss or injury a serious accident

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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For

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a serious injury

a significant injury

a severe injury

a substantial injury

a major injury

an intense injury

serious questions

legitimate questions

sincere questions

genuine questions

sensible questions

tough questions

a serious concern

a substantial concern

a significant concern

a considerable concern

a major concern

an important concern

serious doubts

significant doubts

immense doubts

strong doubts

severe doubts

massive doubts

a serious effort

a huge effort

a considerable effort

a substantial effort

a real effort

a sincere effort

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of serious are earnest, grave, sedate, sober, solemn, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

In what contexts can earnest take the place of serious?

Although the words earnest and serious have much in common, earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

When would grave be a good substitute for serious?

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

read the proclamation in a grave voice

When is it sensible to use sedate instead of serious?

While the synonyms sedate and serious are close in meaning, sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

Where would sober be a reasonable alternative to serious?

The words sober and serious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When might solemn be a better fit than serious?

The synonyms solemn and serious are sometimes interchangeable, but solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

When is staid a more appropriate choice than serious?

In some situations, the words staid and serious are roughly equivalent. However, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.

a quiet and staid community

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 Her previous charges range from petty theft to battery causing serious injury. —

Elizabeth Pritchett, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025 Available in seven neutral shades, including two shimmer options gentle enough for sensitive eyes, this liner is the perfect mix of effortless application and serious staying power. —

Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 17 Feb. 2025 Many of these individuals who were pardoned, for instance, have extensive criminal records for things like domestic violence, weapons charges that are serious, and rape. —

ABC News, 16 Feb. 2025 Unless governments take on the financial burden of serious mitigation efforts, the price of California's fire risk will remain unequal and left to the homeowners, Collier of UC Berkeley said. —

CBS News, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for serious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for serious

Adjective

And their CEOs announced these promises with solemn rhetoric about their companies' roles in fixing societal problems.

— Maria Aspan, NPR, 3 Feb. 2025
The Oscars were not scheduled until the following March, but the ceremony still took on a solemn tone.

— Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2025