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 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 The Resa swimwear was the Millie bikini top in serpent, which retails for $68, and Ernie-style bottoms in the same print, which retail for $55. — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026 Nagatitan’s name references Naga, a serpent-like being in some Asian religious traditions that is prominently depicted in various Thai temples. — Reuters, NBC news, 15 May 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
  • Fans of improv, musicals and audience participation will thoroughly enjoy this performance and should be prepared to repent for sins like eating a hamburger, owning too many snakes or yearning for a younger man.
    — Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026
  • There’s Tom Crutchfield, who loves women with the ardor of Pepé Le Pew but spends most of his time not in pursuit of the ladies but of exotic snakes, lizards, alligators, turtles and whatnot.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 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
  • His tenure was upended by the arrest of Aldrich Ames, a CIA traitor.
    — Bob Drogin, Washington Post, 22 July 2026
  • In reality, the big debate has been about questions such as whether military bases should be named for traitors and whether governments should host monuments to a rebellion to defend slavery.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
Definition of traitor
Noun
  • Russell’s viper Russell’s viper is responsible for thousands of serious snakebites across South and Southeast Asia.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Hassabis, who won the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2024 for pioneering the use of AI in protein prediction, is based in London and has largely avoided the viper pit created by the bare-knuckle AI race playing out in Silicon Valley.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of viper
Noun
  • Throughout the movie, two mentors stand over each of his shoulders like an aproned angel and devil.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
  • There’s also a devil, all too ready to perch on his other shoulder, too.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 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
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Cite this Entry

“Serpent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serpent. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on serpent

Nglish: Translation of serpent for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about serpent

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