serial 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsir-ē-əl How to pronounce serial (audio)
Definition of serialnext
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

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serial

2 of 2

noun

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
Adjective
This essentially proves the design, factories, assembly procedures, and qualification processes are ready for serial conversion of the rest of the stockpile. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026 Paulson will play real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the show. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
While only the first two episodes managed to survive the original live broadcast, the serial still went on to have a huge impact on science fiction. — William Worrall, Space.com, 15 July 2026 Also in 1964, Pettet appeared on an episode of ABC’s Route 66 and began a stint as a nurse on the NBC daytime serial The Doctors. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for serial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serial
  1. serialized
  2. periodical
  3. newspaper
  4. journal
  5. book
  6. magazine
Adjective
  • Noiser presents each story as a serialized listening experience in the podcast apps people already use every day.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Seen together, the trilogy charts both a personal coming-of-age and a generational coming-to-grips with aging that, even when compared against similar serialized documentary experiments like Michael Apted’s 7 Up installments, feels wholly unique.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of serialized
Noun
  • People who might be lucky to have a roof over their heads gathered there to read American books and periodicals, watch American movies, listen to lectures about America, tap their toes to jazz from America.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • It is anticipated that all IEEE periodicals will be included in the Integrity Hub screening by the end of this year.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 30 July 2026
Definition of periodical
Noun
  • The character was based on Candace Bushnell and her own newspaper column and 1996 book anthology, both also named Sex and the City.
    — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Gamblers would bet on the fates of prisoners awaiting execution and of prominent people whose illnesses were reported on in the newspaper.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of newspaper
Noun
  • Crucially, Eddy is also the only one of the players who can pass for white; when his journal entries end, so does the book’s innocence.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Las Vegas Review-journal/TNS Three decades, two dozen witnesses and weeks of sensational and fiery testimony later, closing arguments are set to begin Monday in the trial for the only person ever charged with the murder of rap icon Tupac Shakur.
    — Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of journal
Noun
  • In the center of town, check out Inquiring Minds Bookstore for used and new books with a great kids’ section or Enoki for an eclectic mix of Asian pantry items and vintage clothing.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Across the country, churches and city halls opened specially on Saturday so people could light candles, write down their thoughts about the deceased king in condolence books.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of book
Noun
  • What started as a column for a youth magazine at a club in North London has now been running for over a decade, with several of the other students Dimoldenberg met there going on the journey with her.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Web Behrens is the contributing Go editor for Chicago magazine.
    — Web Behrens, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of magazine

Browse Nearby Words

sergeants
serial
serialize
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Cite this Entry

“Serial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serial. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on serial

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about serial

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