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Synonyms

serious-minded

American  
[seer-ee-uhs-mahyn-did] / ˈsɪər i əsˈmaɪn dɪd /

adjective

  1. characterized by seriousness of intention, purpose, thought, etc.; earnest.

Other Word Forms

  • serious-mindedly adverb
  • serious-mindedness noun

Etymology

Origin of serious-minded

First recorded in 1835–45

Vocabulary lists containing serious-minded

Thoughtful

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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.

Sir Keir is an intelligent, incredibly diligent, serious-minded politician who has achieved extraordinary things.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2025

“You know, a serious-minded man like myself, I would never get caught scrolling and watching people fall down or make funny dance things. But I do love it. I have to. I’m surrounded by it.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 2025

The panel has historically operated in a bipartisan manner, and is largely composed of serious-minded lawmakers rather than strident partisans.

From New York Times • Jun. 6, 2024

In Germany and Scandinavia, the easygoing brand stands out in a market saturated with serious-minded technical apparel.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 19, 2023

Heavy, serious-minded bears and boars grunted behind him.

From "The Magician's Nephew" by C. S. Lewis

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.