STAID Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

staid

adjective

ˈstād

Definition of staid next

as in solemn

not joking or playful in mood or manner everyone was surprised by the racy joke from the usually staid professor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in imposing

having or showing a formal and serious or reserved manner staid colors that would be good for business attire

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 My navy blazer, white shirt and khakis would otherwise have felt rather staid and unadventurous (at least for me), but the texture, color, and patina of my polo belt felt apropos. —

Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2024 The kicks made the crazies cry and even the staid fans scream. —

Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 2 Aug. 2024 At two and a half very staid hours, The End is a punishing picture. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 13 Sep. 2024 The sloping roofline and overall exterior styling outclasses plenty of luxury vehicles, BMW to Infiniti, whose once traditional appearances are now staid. —

James Raia, The Mercury News, 14 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for staid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for staid

Adjective

In the room: The feeling was solemn and surreal, with many attendees talking about events earlier in the day for Twelfth Night to kick off the Mardi Gras season.

Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios, 6 Jan. 2025
The serious can exist alongside the inane, and the two enhance each other; in this universe, everyone deserves the right to a good bit of fun, and mass entertainment must serve the solemn duty of providing it.

Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024