Synonyms for

Serious

Verb / ˈsɪri:ʌs / Another word for serious — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Serious means to be sincere, important, or not joking around.

Synonyms & similar words

unplayful dangerous grievous severe playful sober lifethreatening grave good frivolous grave solemn earnest weighty important significant critical crucial severe acute dire urgent pressing momentous big major substantial profound deep intense

Synonyms by register

Formal

grave solemn earnest somber

Informal

heavy intense no-nonsense down to business

Literary

weighty steadfast

Antonyms

frivolous lighthearted playful joking trivial unimportant casual

Common collocations

  • serious illness
  • serious crime
  • serious consideration
  • serious doubt
  • serious injury
  • serious problem
  • serious discussion
  • serious consequences

Word family

noun seriousness
adverb seriously

Usage note

Often used to describe situations or people that are not light or amusing. Can also mean important or significant.

Example sentences

  1. It is serious when someone is hurt.
  2. You should take your job seriously.
  3. The doctor had a serious face when she came to talk to us.
  4. A serious storm is coming this way.
  5. He had a serious conversation with his boss about his job performance.

Quotes

  • Seriousness is the only refuge of the shallow. - Oscar Wilde
  • The most serious charge that can be brought against New England is not Puritanism but February. - Joseph Wood Krutch
  • The serious problems facing the world today demand that adults take responsibility for learning and maintaining skills throughout their lives. - Elizabeth J. Tisdell

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