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Synonym Chooser

How is the word sincere distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sincere are heartfelt, hearty, unfeigned, and wholehearted. While all these words mean "genuine in feeling," sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

a sincere apology

When can heartfelt be used instead of sincere?

While in some cases nearly identical to sincere, heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

expresses our heartfelt gratitude

When could hearty be used to replace sincere?

Although the words hearty and sincere have much in common, hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

received a hearty welcome

Where would unfeigned be a reasonable alternative to sincere?

In some situations, the words unfeigned and sincere are roughly equivalent. However, unfeigned stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense.

her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

When might wholehearted be a better fit than sincere?

The synonyms wholehearted and sincere are sometimes interchangeable, but wholehearted suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving.

promised our wholehearted support

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sincere Still, her sincere, creative, and meticulous work could not help but find recognition. Kayti Burt, Time, 11 June 2025 Still, the episode captures the show’s rich tonal blend, its combination of screwball comedy and sincere concern with the daily troubles of working people, the small dramas that add up to a life. Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 June 2025 Written by the Colombian singer and produced by Gangsta, the song is distinguished by its poetic and sincere lyrics in which Kapo, with his unmistakable raspy voice, sings to that woman who came to heal his heart and transform it with love. Luisa Calle, Billboard, 6 June 2025 And yet in this doomsday tale, King is at his most sincere. Jake Coyle, Twin Cities, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sincere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sincere
Adjective
  • Coach Wall was a remarkable individual whose kindness and genuine spirit touched all who knew him.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2025
  • Today's audiences—both Hispanic and non-Hispanic—are savvy, diverse, and crave genuine representation and storytelling.
    Isaac Mizrahi, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • My advice is to conduct an honest assessment of your team's capabilities relative to migration requirements.
    AJ Bubb, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • What is your secret to remaining an innovator in your field? To be honest, I get inspired.
    Nigel Smith, People.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The rare scene between the two pillars of Molly’s life delivered heartfelt emotional beats and great physical comedy.
    Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 21 June 2025
  • The legendary chef and Food Network personality paid a heartfelt tribute to his colleague Burrell, 55, who died June 17.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • These talismans of use are analogous to the often unaffected art work shown at Intuit.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
  • Even when the Panama Canal had endured a months-long drought that forced the ACP to implement a series of daily transit and draft restrictions throughout the second half of 2023, container ships had largely been unaffected compared to other vessels.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • This was a performer whose sense of self-worth, depending on the day, ranged from unfeigned humility to desperate insecurity to full-on self-loathing.
    Bruce Handy, Air Mail, 3 May 2025
  • His life story is inspiring, and his love of country is as unfeigned as his faith.
    Daniel Foster, National Review, 30 Nov. 2023
Adjective
  • For leaders, the takeaway is simple: let chaos strip the fluff away.
    Victoria Chynoweth, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025
  • The simplest way to achieve your goal may be a version of the truth that’s not the whole truth.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond all of the twists and many, many, many turns that kept viewers tuned in every Tuesday night, the core of the show was about true female friendship and the loyalty that comes with that, no matter what.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
  • Ever-so true to Telfar’s roots: community-driven, unpredictable, and built on radical accessibility.
    Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • On July 8, U.S. soldiers escorting a train fired at crowds in Hammond, killing an innocent bystander.
    Robert Loerzel, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
  • However, Vance’s spokesperson said the mix-up was an innocent mistake.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sincere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sincere. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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