serpent

noun

ˈsər-pənt How to pronounce serpent (audio)
Definition of serpentnext
1
as in snake
a limbless reptile with a long body an Aztec carving of a feathered serpent representing the god Quetzalcoatl

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in Satan
the supreme personification of evil often represented as the ruler of hell beware the temptations of the serpent

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in traitor
one who betrays a trust or an allegiance a serpent in their midst had betrayed the revolutionaries to the authorities

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 serpent There is a legend that Prince Albert presented her with a multi-stone serpent ring when they were engaged, and Victoria was buried with the ring. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026 The collection reinterprets the serpent’s scales through flexible articulated gold links that wrap around diamonds, rubellites, tourmalines, emeralds and sapphires. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The site covers around six square miles and is centered on the Castillo, or Kukulcán pyramid, where each equinox the shadow of a serpent appears to slither down the steps. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026 At the spring and autumn equinoxes, the shadow of a serpent appears to slither down the steps of the main Kukulcán pyramid. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for serpent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serpent
  1. snake
  2. Satan
  3. traitor
  4. viper
  5. devil
  6. Lucifer
Noun
  • Long lines snake toward bars selling the tournament’s speciality cocktail, and a David Chang stall cooks elevated chicken tenders.
    — Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than killing the snakes found on its property, Cat Haven relocates them to areas farther from the cats, according to Anderson.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of snake
Noun
  • Gibson also confirmed that Resurrection will include a depiction of Satan, portrayed in The Passion of the Christ by Rosalinda Celentano.
    — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 26 May 2026
  • Dante and Virgil escape Hell by clambering down Satan's monstrous hide and through Earth's center of gravity.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 May 2026
Definition of Satan
Noun
  • Rinna, a fellow traitor and the person who helped Rausch secure the bag, had similarly been crossed by him, twice.
    — The Deadline Team, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026
  • His tenure was upended by the arrest of Aldrich Ames, a CIA traitor.
    — Bob Drogin, Washington Post, 22 July 2026
Definition of traitor
Noun
  • Maumelle Animal Shelter The pit viper was so reluctant to exit the helmet that police officers had to pour water into it to force the snake out and into a bag.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Goode needed no persuading about the beauty of animals like New Caledonian geckos, African bush vipers, Caribbean rock iguanas, and similar Cyclura.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of viper
Noun
  • In January, Watts was a guest on actor Rainn Wilson’s podcast, where Watts played devil’s advocate to Wilson’s skeptic about casual use of mind-altering substances.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout the movie, two mentors stand over each of his shoulders like an aproned angel and devil.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of devil
Noun
  • O'Keefe said Lucifer would have likely been played by Freeman or Carrey.
    — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026
  • Her other credits include arcs on Burn Notice, Two and a Half Men, Suits, and Lucifer.
    — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026
Definition of Lucifer

Browse Nearby Words

sermons
serpent
serpentine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on serpent

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about serpent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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