sincere

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adjective sin·cere \ sin-ˈsir , sən- \

Definition of sincere

sincerer; sincerest

1 a :free of dissimulation :honest

a sincere interest

b :free from adulteration :pure

a sincere doctrine

sincere wine

2 :marked by genuineness :true

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sincerely

adverb

—

sincereness

noun

See sincere defined for English-language learners

See sincere defined for kids

Examples of sincere in a Sentence

He sounded sincere in his promises.
She seemed sincere in her commitment to finish school.
She has a sincere interest in painting.
He showed a sincere concern for her health.
He made a sincere attempt to quit smoking.
Please accept our sincere thanks.

Recent Examples of sincere from the Web

Newcomer Turner holds the story together playing the vulnerable protagonist Thomas with sincere likability.

— michael heaton, cleveland.com, "'The Only Living Boy In New York' a fine family drama (review)," 25 Aug. 2017
Both seem utterly sincere in their efforts to capture the odd scraps that others tend to dismiss as trivial or arcane, the traces of our passing presence in the world.

— marina harss, New York Times, "Between Birth and Death, Some Dancing and a Little Mystery," 21 Aug. 2017
The recurring theme among them is a sincere appreciation for the opportunities they’ve been given.

— janelle okwodu, Vogue, "For Jamaica’s Top Models, Fashion Is a Celebration of Their Roots," 6 Aug. 2017
At Uber, as soon as one thing was surfaced, many other things were surfaced simultaneously, and that brought a deserved very bright light and brought very serious sincere action on the part of the organization.

— jill filipovic, Cosmopolitan, "How Uber Is Planning to Treat Women Better," 2 Aug. 2017
Mitch McConnell’s sincere belief is that his plan can only pass if experts and authorities – the Congressional Budget Office, insurance actuaries, think-tanks – cannot inform his members of its likely effects.

— jonathan chait, Daily Intelligencer, "The Health Care Freedom Act is a Scandal," 27 July 2017
The country that Trump had accused of orchestrating 9/11 one year earlier wasn’t launching an economic war against Qatar to assert its regional hegemony, but rather, out of sincere desire to combat Doha’s tacit support for terrorism.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Report: UAE Orchestrated Qatar Feud by Spreading Fake News," 17 July 2017
While feeling Elgin is sincere in its contentions, Panichi said there are more than 50 vacancies now in Randall Point buildings and there have been two foreclosures in recent years.

— mike danahey, Elgin Courier-News, "Commission against memory care facility in Elgin business park," 11 July 2017
Adam gives a sincere and nonsensical toast about true love.

— elizabeth logan, Glamour, "'The Bachelorette' Season 13 Episode 7 Recap: Swiss Swiss," 10 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sincere.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sincere

Middle French, from Latin sincerus whole, pure, genuine, probably from sem- one + -cerus (akin to Latin crescere to grow) — more at same, crescent

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1533

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sincere Synonyms

Synonyms

heartfelt, unfeigned

Antonyms

affected, artificial, false, feigned, insincere

Related Words

unaffected, unforced; artless, honest, ingenuous, translucent, transparent, true; authentic, genuine; hearty, wholehearted, whole-souled

Near Antonyms

backhanded, double-dealing, hypocritical, left-handed, mealy, mealymouthed, two-faced, unctuous

Synonym Discussion of sincere

sincere, wholehearted, heartfelt, hearty, unfeigned mean genuine in feeling. sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

- a sincere apology

wholehearted suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving.

- promised our wholehearted support

heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

- expresses our heartfelt gratitude

hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

- received a hearty welcome

unfeigned stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense.

- her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

SINCERE Defined for Kids

sincere

play

adjective sin·cere \ sin-ˈsir \

Definition of sincere for Students

sincerer; sincerest

1 :having or showing honesty :straightforward

a sincere person

2 :being what it seems to be :genuine

sincere good wishes

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sincerely

adverb

Learn More about sincere

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sincere Spanish Central: Translation of sincere Nglish: Translation of sincere for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sincere for Arabic speakers

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