sincere

adjective

sin·​cere sin-ˈsir 

sən-

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

sincereness noun

Synonyms

• genuine
• heartfelt
• unfeigned
• honest
• unaffected

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web

Far from being simply a denunciation of marginalization, the song becomes a sincere embrace of vulnerable childhoods, highlighting the pain of those who grow up in poverty, neglect, and, often, are forced into crime as a means of survival. —Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2025

And for its frequent infusions of absurdist comedy, that word, Battle, in the title, is sincere. —Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 24 Sep. 2025

Instead, express a sincere desire to reset your relationship. —R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2025

What people are saying about Rapture day A quick glance through TikTok, which has been fueling much of the discussion (under the algorithm friendly hashtag #rapturetok), shows a sampling of reactions, from sincere to satirical. —Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for sincere

• adhere
• ameer
• amir
• appear
• arrear
• astir
• austere
• career
• cashier
• cohere
• compere
• emir

Kids Definition

sincere

adjective

sin·​cere sin-ˈsi(ə)r 

sincerer; sincerest

1

: trustworthy, straightforward

a sincere friend

2

: genuine sense 1, real

a sincere interest in painting

sincerely adverb

sincerity

-ˈser-ət-ē

-ˈsir-

noun