as in intentness
a mental state free of jesting or trifling
we knew from the doctor's seriousness that she didn't have good news
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 seriousness
Rodriguez noted that the law at the center of the battle doesn’t permit her to consider the seriousness of the offense nor the impact on the victims.
—
Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Advertisement This is not a failure of seriousness so much as a shift in how seriousness is encountered.
—Debbie Millman, Time, 7 Jan. 2026
The Maine Democrat, a former Marine, has always conducted himself with decorum and seriousness.
—David M. Drucker, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026
The seriousness in the quarterback’s tone was as detectable as his frustration.
—Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
The sentences were proportional to the seriousness of the comments, the court stressed.
—CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
Curt Cignetti’s perpetual seriousness has become a big part of the Indiana coach’s burgeoning lore.
—Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
While most hand creams seem formulated as an afterthought, this one was conceived with all the seriousness of an anti-aging cream.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025
Trump’s willingness to continue negotiating over Russia and Ukraine signals his seriousness in ending the conflict.
—Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 28 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seriousness
Noun
-
The system places users in a zero-gravity posture originally developed for aerospace applications.—
-
Cruz and other Republicans argued the decision minimized the gravity of an attack on the judiciary and could encourage future political violence.—
Noun
-
The current leading lights in rock are largely admired for their raw earnestness.—
-
Part of what comes to me, Roxana, is my sincerity and my earnestness.—
Noun
-
The attempt at solemnity was not especially successful.—
-
These early broadcasts featured figures like Lola Beltrán and María Victoria, lending an aura of solemnity and glamour.—
Cite this Entry
“Seriousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seriousness. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share