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
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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
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3
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury
a serious accident
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of serious
In cirrhosis, a serious and ongoing condition, healthy liver tissue is slowly replaced by scar tissue.
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Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 11 Jan. 2026
Set beneath Mont Blanc, Chamonix’s ski areas are spread out and varied, favoring serious vertical, dramatic exposure, and long descents over groomed cruisers.
—Bailey Berg, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 2026
Speaking to reporters before meeting the Islanders, Wild coach John Hynes said Eriksson Ek is day to day and the injury is not considered serious.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
Viruses and fungi can also cause meningitis, but bacterial meningitis is the most serious.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for serious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serious
Adjective
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More than five hours after the crash, there was a solemn procession off of Route 146 led by Massachusetts State Police, followed by the medical examiner and fellow police officers.—
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That this is a serious matter—not slight at all—does not oblige the author of a seriously funny book to be solemn.—
Adjective
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The new California law or Assembly Bill 1830 requires most tortillas and corn masa products sold to contain folic acid, a vitamin important to infant health, according to CalMatters.—
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Not only is the actual lighting itself important for completing tasks and creating ambiance, but the fixtures also double as decor.—
Adjective
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Pipes and sewers can be very dangerous for pets and wildlife and Roto-Rooter, with specialized equipment and personnel, has become a go-to call to save cats, dogs, turtles and more.—
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Ole Miss has enough dangerous weapons in quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, running back Kewan Lacy and wide receivers Harrison Wallace III, De’Zhaun Stribling and Deuce Alexander to make a tired defense pay.—
Adjective
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There’s severe economic challenges, if not complete collapse.—
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The blaze caused severe damage to the synagogue's administrative office and its library, according to ABC affiliate station WAPT in Jackson.—
Adjective
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Lenovo came out all guns blazing at CES 2026, using its biggest global stage yet to signal major leaps across devices, AI, and partnerships.—
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And, in the aftermath, these were Chiefs coaches’ biggest regrets following a season gone awry.—
Adjective
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Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean.—
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Forecasters warn of hazardous travel conditions from icy roads and low visibility.—
Adjective
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The Abbott Elementary actor plays Sheriff Mark Mylow, a deeply earnest man who is dealing with a broken heart after school teacher Louisa Gavin (Abigail Spencer) ended their engagement.—
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The industry loves an inside-out moment, and embracing Disney’s most famous—and famously earnest —mascot offers an opportunity to imbue the 97-year-old cartoon rodent with some real edge.—
Adjective
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Recently, researchers have made a major leap forward by engineering a novel cathode material that dramatically elevates performance, bringing us closer to practical, high-efficiency thermal energy systems.—
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The potential for a major nurses strike in New York City is growing by the minute, after major hospitals and the New York State Nurses Association failed to negotiate a deal before Sunday's midnight deadline.—
Cite this Entry
“Serious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serious. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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