as in intentness
a mental state free of jesting or trifling
practiced the art of acting with great earnestness
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of earnestness
The earnestness of these calls to join is refreshing compared to the distance currently felt in many places, where the disconnection can make neighbors feel like strangers.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
But the Explosive News representative spoke of their efforts with a lofty earnestness.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
His ability to balance earnestness and whimsy, dedication and delight, have reaped palpable benefits for SummerFest.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Taparjan’s voiceover fills the soundtrack with the same earnestness.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
The violent earnestness is like a speaker-phone therapy session on a crowded subway.
—Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 17 Mar. 2026
That thread of earnestness in the plot and character development definitely makes its way into the finale.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026
Advertisement Reggie Dinkins shares an earnestness with Every Brilliant Thing.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 5 Mar. 2026
Frank, played with endearing earnestness by Bale, is more of a big softie than a monster.
—ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
But the Explosive News representative spoke of their efforts with a lofty earnestness.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
His ability to balance earnestness and whimsy, dedication and delight, have reaped palpable benefits for SummerFest.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Taparjan’s voiceover fills the soundtrack with the same earnestness.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
The violent earnestness is like a speaker-phone therapy session on a crowded subway.
—Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 17 Mar. 2026
That thread of earnestness in the plot and character development definitely makes its way into the finale.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026
Advertisement Reggie Dinkins shares an earnestness with Every Brilliant Thing.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 5 Mar. 2026
Frank, played with endearing earnestness by Bale, is more of a big softie than a monster.
—ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earnestness
Noun
-
Despite the bitter path to this threshold—the debate started in earnest in 1915—almost no one cheered.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Mar. 2026
-
The trial, which is expected to last two weeks, started in earnest on March 10 with opening statements, and three other accusers are poised to testify, the New York Times reported.—
Victoria Bekiempis,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Ruben comes with his own gravity, whereas Niall naturally recedes into the wallpaper.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Apr. 2026
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On the other hand, modifying gravity — according to the MOND prescription — introduces a new fundamental acceleration scale that shows up importantly at small cosmic accelerations.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The 1965 section centers on Basil, played by Gray, alongside Murray, who has a knack for shifting effortlessly between humor and seriousness that commands attention.—
Amy Reyes,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The health and safety of our students is our absolute priority, and any report of substandard food service is taken with the utmost seriousness.—
Jasmine Arenas,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Earnestness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earnestness. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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