as in sincere
genuine in feeling a number of the retiring teacher's former students have expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable lessons they learned in his classroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word heartfelt distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of heartfelt are hearty, sincere, unfeigned, and wholehearted. While all these words mean "genuine in feeling," heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

expresses our heartfelt gratitude

When could hearty be used to replace heartfelt?

The words hearty and heartfelt can be used in similar contexts, but hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

received a hearty welcome

When is it sensible to use sincere instead of heartfelt?

In some situations, the words sincere and heartfelt are roughly equivalent. However, sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

a sincere apology

In what contexts can unfeigned take the place of heartfelt?

The meanings of unfeigned and heartfelt largely overlap; however, unfeigned stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense.

her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

When is wholehearted a more appropriate choice than heartfelt?

The words wholehearted and heartfelt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wholehearted suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving.

promised our wholehearted support

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 heartfelt Madsen's sister, fellow actor Virginia Madsen, paid tribute to her late brother in a heartfelt post on Instagram, which featured a black-and-white throwback photo of the sibling pair alongside their mother Elaine Madsen. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 July 2025 His younger sister, Virginia Madsen, posted a heartfelt reaction on Instagram. Tom Tapp, Deadline, 3 July 2025 The rare scene between the two pillars of Molly’s life delivered heartfelt emotional beats and great physical comedy. Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 21 June 2025 Between silly videos and heartfelt tributes, Palmer has been relishing in motherhood. Kayla Grant, People.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for heartfelt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartfelt
Adjective
  • While there has been a tremendous amount of misinformation—and in some cases, outright lies—about my bill, many people brought forward sincere concerns.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • Then give someone a sincere compliment to brighten his or her day.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • What matters is whether genuine compatibility exists beneath the obsession.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 5 July 2025
  • Despite the lighthearted framing of the post, many comments conveyed genuine sadness or guilt—often about animals taken on without fully understanding the commitment involved.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • This was a performer whose sense of self-worth, depending on the day, ranged from unfeigned humility to desperate insecurity to full-on self-loathing.
    Bruce Handy, Air Mail, 3 May 2025
  • His life story is inspiring, and his love of country is as unfeigned as his faith.
    Daniel Foster, National Review, 30 Nov. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Heartfelt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartfelt. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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