in earnest
idiom
1
: in an earnest or serious way
The search began in earnest when the police arrived.
After light showers during the day, it began to rain in earnest in the evening.
It's hard to tell if he's making this proposal in earnest.
2
: not fooling : serious and sincere
We thought he was joking at first, but then we realized that he was in earnest.
Examples of in earnest in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Organizations that have tackled modernization projects in earnest have seen massive success.
—
Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 18 July 2025
The Phillies will begin scouting 2026 draft prospects in earnest next week, two days after this year’s draft.
—Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 11 July 2025
The Interactive Fest is wrapping up and the music fest doesn't kick off in earnest until today.
—Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Plans for the June 14 parade began in earnest about a month ago.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for in earnest
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Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 18 July 2025
The Phillies will begin scouting 2026 draft prospects in earnest next week, two days after this year’s draft.
—Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 11 July 2025
The Interactive Fest is wrapping up and the music fest doesn't kick off in earnest until today.
—Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Plans for the June 14 parade began in earnest about a month ago.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for in earnest
Cite this Entry
“In earnest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20earnest. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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