as in serialized
appearing in parts or numbers that follow regularly
"Uncle Tom's Cabin" first appeared as a serial novel from 1851 to 1852
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in periodical
a publication that appears at regular intervals
the university library has a vast collection of serials
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 serial
Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025
Shortly after, investigators learned that Baumeister was likely one of the most prolific serial killers in Indiana state history.
—Bailey Richards, People.com, 24 May 2025
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Feb. 2025
The soap opera is a genre older than the invention of the television, dating all the way back to radio serials of the early 20th century.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for serial
Adjective
Smoke follows a detective (Jurnee Smollett) and an arson investigator (Taron Egerton) who are trying to catch a pair of serial arsonists wreaking fiery havoc across the Pacific Northwest.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025
Shortly after, investigators learned that Baumeister was likely one of the most prolific serial killers in Indiana state history.
—Bailey Richards, People.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
This included a wide range of stories, from Westerns and detective drama to monster films, character serials or melodramas.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Feb. 2025
The soap opera is a genre older than the invention of the television, dating all the way back to radio serials of the early 20th century.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for serial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serial
Noun
-
Book categories include fiction, nonfiction, children’s, romance, hobby, travel, health and living, religion, textbooks, periodicals and cookbooks in both hardcover and paperback, the release said.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2025
-
What resulted was a learning center for the 532 students who attend An Thanh Commune Primary School in the mountainous Hoai An District, complete with a computer lab, books, periodicals and furniture.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
Abe, a writer for Japan’s Chunichi Sports newspaper, was followed into the concourse of Dodger Stadium’s suite level by four other reporters from his country.—
Dylan Hernández,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2025
-
As for her Hugo Boss floral dress, Queen Letizia previously stepped out in the frock to meet with representatives from the newspaper La Razón at Zarzuela Palace.—
FN Staff,
Footwear News,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
No one knows exactly how much is left, but the study, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, shows an alarming rate of withdrawal of a vital water source for a region that could also see its supply of Colorado River water shrink.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
31 May 2025
-
The findings were published Wednesday, May 28, in the journal Nature.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
Vandersloot, 36, was a fixture in the Sky’s history books long before the game.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2025
-
In something of a grand gesture, Caleb Williams stood at a lectern Wednesday to explain that excerpts from an upcoming book were old news.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
The Chicago Sun-Times summer reading list was licensed from King Features, owned by magazine conglomerate Hearst.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
Highlights this week include four of the greatest R&B divas to ever do it on one stage at Barclays Center, Rena Butler’s take on Aesop’s classic fable with Parsons Dance at The Joyce and a must-see immersive art exhibit in Chelsea celebrating Rolling Stone magazine.—
Karu F. Daniels,
New York Daily News,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Serial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serial. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share