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

Since Brett Veach began his NFL career in earnest as Andy Reid’s personal assistant in Philadelphia, he’s naturally been steeped in Reid’s ways and means and long shared a wavelength with him. —Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2025

Schedule-making begins in earnest after the Super Bowl, but notable trades and selections in the NFL Draft can result in last-minute adjustments. —Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 13 May 2025

Before the violence begins in earnest, Cassian is assembling his rifle, preparing to take out Dedra Meero. —Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 7 May 2025

Public opinion will be tracked in earnest ahead of the November 2026 midterms. —Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025

Rhymes for in earnest

• internist
• sternest