seriously

adverb

se·​ri·​ous·​ly ˈsir-ē-əs-lē How to pronounce seriously (audio)
Synonyms of seriouslynext
1
: in a sincere manner : earnestly
speaking seriously
2
: to a serious extent : severely, extremely
seriously injured

Synonyms of seriously

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Examples of seriously in a Sentence

No one was seriously injured in the accident. I thought seriously about death while I was in the hospital. You should seriously consider buying a new car. You don't mean that seriously, do you? It was so hot that we nearly melted. But seriously, it was hotter than I've ever experienced. I think you are seriously mistaken.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And why has an industry this large taken this long to ask that question seriously? — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Patriot Front’s affect might be risible, but that doesn’t mean the group shouldn’t be taken seriously. — Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 After months of silence, the doctor confessed last month to killing a dozen seriously ill patients during home visits, dpa reported. — ABC News, 8 July 2026 Then, just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker for a seriously delicious meat-and-potatoes meal with carrots and celery added. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for seriously

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of seriously was in 1643

Phrases Containing seriously

Rhymes for seriously

See All Rhymes for seriously

Browse Nearby Words

serious
seriously
serious-minded
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Cite this Entry

“Seriously.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seriously. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on seriously

Nglish: Translation of seriously for Spanish Speakers

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