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 of sincere

• 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

Although Kitty’s intentions are sincere, her mind can obsess over matters like a Gemini, stirring the pot even more. —Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026

However, bear in mind this is really an insurance play; our sincere hope is that the conflict temperature in the Middle East comes down and ships can once again transit the Strait. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026

The deployments have made Iranian diplomatic envoys even more dubious that American peace efforts are sincere. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026

Many of the fathers expressed a sincere desire to do better for their sons than their dads had done for them. —Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

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