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

Their moves have also helped cement Miami’s evolution into a parallel power center for technology and finance, accelerating a migration of capital and executive talent that began in earnest during the pandemic. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026

Last season, Green’s Defensive Player of the Year candidacy began in earnest during a mid-March victory over the Bucks, when Green held Antetokounmpo to 5 of 16 shooting in a win where Curry did not play. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026

Remembrances begin in a context of prayer, reflection Remembrances, reflections in both fire footprints began in earnest on Tuesday night. —David Wilson, Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026

The continent’s rearmament, a process that began in earnest last year, will take at least three to five years to be credible. —Mujtaba Rahman, Time, 7 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for in earnest

• internist
• sternest