sincere

1 of 2

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

sincereness

2 of 2

noun

sin·​cere·​ness

: the quality or state of being sincere : sincerity sense 1

Synonyms of sincere

Adjective

• 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

Adjective

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

Adjective

The attorney said Pinkney’s parents had asked her to extend their sincere apologies to the victim’s family, while knowing nothing could take away their pain. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

Research has shown that sincere praise can sometimes have social rewards. — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

Asking a sincere question could create more connection than offering the perfect answer. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 2026

Ed, Eddie Friedrich Prince Friedrich of Prussia is a well-mannered, thoughtful, and sincere suitor to Eloise Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

Adjective

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