as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
I'll accept only an earnest apology from you
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in intentness
a mental state free of jesting or trifling
I am in deadly earnest about this marriage proposal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in earnest
a mental state free of jesting or trifling
practiced the art of acting with great earnestness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of earnest
Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
This will prevent them from losing the deposit paid to take the house off the market, also known as earnest money.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2025
Christine Ro, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
The parties can put forward their demands for discussion once a cease-fire is in place and talks start in earnest.
—Ahmed Nagi, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for earnest
Adjective
As if his own earnest affection for movies weren’t enough, Affleck also whips out a handful of impressions, most notably of Sean Penn’s Jeff Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
This will prevent them from losing the deposit paid to take the house off the market, also known as earnest money.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
Replanting in this gentle valley hasn’t yet started in earnest.
—Christine Ro, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
The parties can put forward their demands for discussion once a cease-fire is in place and talks start in earnest.
—Ahmed Nagi, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for earnest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earnest
Adjective
-
Far from solemn, the atmosphere has turned into a party of thousands.—
Katie Primm,
NBC news,
9 May 2025
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Over the decades, observance of V-E Day in the West has assumed a more muted, solemn tone.—
Noah Rothman,
National Review,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
But critics across the political spectrum, including some Republicans, say the arrangement raises serious legal and constitutional questions—especially given Trump’s private business ties in the region and the shadow of past emoluments controversies.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
12 May 2025
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The dearth of serious voting impediments is long-standing finding in polls.—
Karlyn Bowman,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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The president shared no caption alongside the image, which depicts him sitting with a stern expression and holding up one finger while wearing white and gold papal attire, including a large cross necklace.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
3 May 2025
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However, none will have criminal records after their cases are adjudicated, under a deal the district attorney offered during a stern press conference on Tuesday.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Earnest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earnest. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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