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Definitions

seriously

[seer-ee-uhs-lee] / ˈsɪər i əs li /
ADVERB
not humorously
Synonyms
STRONGEST
actively earnestly passionately sincerely vigorously
STRONG
gravely
WEAK
all joking aside cool it cut the comedy determinedly down fervently for real in all conscience in all seriousness in earnest intently purposefully resolutely sedately simmer down soberly solemnly sternly straighten out thoughtfully with a straight face with forethought with sobriety zealously
Antonyms
WEAK
casually funnily lightly minor trivially
ADVERB
dangerously, critically
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acutely badly grievously intensely severely sorely very
STRONG
gravely
WEAK
decidedly deplorably distressingly harmfully menacingly perilously precariously quite regrettably threateningly
Antonyms
STRONGEST
little
WEAK
casually funnily lightly minor trivially

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Antidebt crusaders, like the personal-finance radio host Dave Ramsey, have been speaking for years about how paying thousands of dollars in interest can seriously impede a family’s ability to make progress on their other goals.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

How can you even take such a person seriously?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

They are very real and must be taken seriously.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

If I announced that Ohio State had bought my college football show, I’d expect to stop being taken seriously when talking about the playoff race.

From Slate • Apr. 7, 2026

When Life magazine published a special issue with designs for fallout shelters, Kennedy added a note saying, “I urge you to read and consider seriously the contents of this issue.”

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin