staid

adjective

ˈstād How to pronounce staid (audio)
Definition of staidnext
Enter your own sentence containing staid , and get words to replace it.
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1
as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner everyone was surprised by the racy joke from the usually staid professor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in imposing
having or showing a formal and serious or reserved manner staid colors that would be good for business attire

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word staid different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of staid are earnest, grave, sedate, serious, sober, and solemn. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.

a quiet and staid community

Where would earnest be a reasonable alternative to staid?

While the synonyms earnest and staid are close in meaning, earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

When can grave be used instead of staid?

While in some cases nearly identical to staid, grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.

read the proclamation in a grave voice

When is sedate a more appropriate choice than staid?

The meanings of sedate and staid largely overlap; however, sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

In what contexts can serious take the place of staid?

The words serious and staid can be used in similar contexts, but serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

When could sober be used to replace staid?

In some situations, the words sober and staid are roughly equivalent. However, sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When would solemn be a good substitute for staid?

The words solemn and staid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

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 staid The eight-sided building is a staid and proper classical structure at first glance, but a closer look reveals a lively romp through aquatic life in almost every stone, metal, glass and terra cotta detail, inside and out. — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025 What’s going to happen when two brides and their guests—one set consisting mostly of rowdy Gen Z-types, the other a more staid bunch decked out in tasteful navy blazers and flowery garden-party dresses—descend upon an island wedding venue that can barely handle half of them? — Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 30 Jan. 2025 Policy changes take time, and for an industry sector used to moving quickly, this more staid pace of change could easily turn into frustration. — Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 The more staid setting, here, may seem outside her dramatic comfort zone, though Headland was raised in a strict Christian family. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for staid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staid
  1. solemn
  2. imposing
  3. serious
  4. distinguished
  5. stern
  6. dignified
  7. decorous
  8. aristocratic
Adjective
  • From its origins as a solemn feast day to its transformation into a global celebration of Irish heritage, St. Patrick's Day is a meaningful occasion for many.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Earlier this month, Francis participated virtually in the Vatican’s weeklong spiritual retreat, an annual gathering that kicks off the Catholic Church’s solemn Lenten season leading to Easter.
    — Angela Yang, NBC News, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    — Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.
    — Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Definition of imposing
Adjective
  • The comedy scenes have an energy that’s missing in the more serious sequences, say the clumsily metaphorical shots of George fishing.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Bel Air estate Kardashian began dating a new man in 2012, and things between her and Ye got real serious real fast.
    — Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • France has had a distinguished career as a journalist, activist and filmmaker, having focused primarily on the LGBTQ+ movement.
    — Tom White, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Serling wrote 92 of the 156 black-and-white sci-fi fantasy episodes throughout the five-year run, with distinguished writers Charles Beaumont and Richard Matheson contributing 36 more top chapters.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • Fast forward five years and Faris is still trying to find a balance between being a fun, yet stern, mom.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
  • In Volusia County, where Daytona Beach has long had a reputation for being a spring break party destination, Sheriff Mike Chitwood issued a stern warning.
    — Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • The State of the Union should be a dignified event where Congress and the citizens learn what is happening with our nation and what the president wants to happen.
    — DP Opinion, The Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2025
  • If things don't improve, a dignified exit may be the worthy course of action.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of dignified
Adjective
  • Aside from a series of gruesome martyr scenes frescoed on the interior wall of the second ring in the late 16th century, the decor reflects late Imperial taste for decorous abstraction and costly materials.
    — The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Is there any decorous way to acknowledge my failure to do so over the past few years and to express my regret?
    — Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2025
Definition of decorous
Adjective
  • Angelica Huston stars as Lady Tressilian who hosts her favorite nephew, British tennis star Nevile Strange (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) and his new wife Kay (Mimi Keene) and ex-wife Audrey (Ella Lily Hyland) in an aristocratic estate.
    — Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Emigrating is the first thing she’s ever accomplished on her own, without Spencer or her aristocratic privilege to help her (at least, not that much).
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of aristocratic

Browse Nearby Words

stagy
staid
staidness
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Cite this Entry

“Staid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staid. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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