in earnest

phrase

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

Historians will acknowledge—those who don’t already—that the man exercised massive influence over American politics since entering it in earnest over a decade ago. — Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026

The development of the 150-room property began in earnest in 2018, when Conrad Combrink, the senior vice president, expedition at Silversea visited Puerto Williams to scout its potential as a hub for Antarctica tourism. — Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2026

The weekend kicks off in earnest with the annual zombie walk, which this year also features clowns. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026

If Stalter does take a Nashville detour, how much of it would be in earnest and how much tongue-in-cheek? — Joe Lynch, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for in earnest

• internist
• sternest