Cryptic crossword clue
Novel not with Smiley is serious stuff 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SOLEMNITY

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "serious stuff" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case serious stuff = solemnity.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does SOLEMNITY mean?

SOLEMNITY noun
  1. The quality of being deeply serious and sober or solemn.
  2. An instance or example of solemn behavior; a rite or ceremony performed with reverence.
  3. A feast day of the highest rank celebrating a mystery of faith such as the Trinity, an event in the life of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, or another important saint.
  4. A solemn or formal observance; proceeding according to due form; the formality which is necessary to render a thing done valid.
  5. A celebration or festivity.

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