earnest 1 of 2

earnest

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word earnest different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of earnest are grave, sedate, serious, sober, solemn, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

In what contexts can grave take the place of earnest?

The words grave and earnest can be used in similar contexts, but grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.

read the proclamation in a grave voice

When is it sensible to use sedate instead of earnest?

The synonyms sedate and earnest are sometimes interchangeable, but sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

Where would serious be a reasonable alternative to earnest?

The words serious and earnest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

When can sober be used instead of earnest?

In some situations, the words sober and earnest are roughly equivalent. However, sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When might solemn be a better fit than earnest?

Although the words solemn and earnest have much in common, solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

When is staid a more appropriate choice than earnest?

While the synonyms staid and earnest are close in meaning, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.

a quiet and staid community

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 earnest
Adjective
Model peace through the endurance of discomfort and earnest engagement in reconciliation. F. Willis Johnson, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025 There’s an earnest joy on display — a testament to herself. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 8 July 2025
Noun
The talk started in earnest in the fall of 2023, although even then there were signs of potential long-term disturbance. Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Money attracts money, and private equity firms barrelled into this trade in earnest in the 2010s. Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for earnest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earnest
Adjective
  • The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • The eventual confirmation of his passing, delivered by solemn White House and medical officials, triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, even from those who had been his staunchest opponents.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • This surge in extreme heat drives up energy demand and poses serious health risks to vulnerable populations.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • But her feelings begin to shift after Steven gets into a serious car accident.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • But she and the remaining Storm family members are swept up into an inheritance game – her father’s last wish, organized by her father’s stern, handsome right-hand man.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 31 July 2025
  • John Doman, a seasoned TV actor whose work has included guest arcs on ER and Oz, got his first long-term gig with his role as the stern Deputy Rawls on The Wire.
    Derek Lawrence, EW.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • Sunday wraps up with the first day of the 2025 MLB Draft, the leg of the weekend with actual gravity.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Despite the gravity of the moment, the conversation ended with a charge grounded in legacy.
    Oumou Fofana, Essence, 8 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Earnest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earnest. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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