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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of earnest
Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
There are many earnest, unpretentious reasons to be a regular reader, from stepping into someone else’s shoes to escaping from the stress of day-to-day life.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2025
In addition to individual efforts like McMullen’s, a variety of group projects have already started in earnest to preserve images of yesterday’s mob.
—Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 7 Jan. 2021
See All Example Sentences for earnest
Adjective
Internet viewers quickly fell in love with the dogs' earnest, if misguided, heroism in the video.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
There are many earnest, unpretentious reasons to be a regular reader, from stepping into someone else’s shoes to escaping from the stress of day-to-day life.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
The contract can’t be made official until the start of the new league year when free agency starts in earnest on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Brown has a background with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero as well as new outside linebackers coach A.C. Carter.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2025
In addition to individual efforts like McMullen’s, a variety of group projects have already started in earnest to preserve images of yesterday’s mob.
—Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 7 Jan. 2021
See All Example Sentences for earnest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earnest
Adjective
-
Shortly after the 12-day war concluded, Khamenei emerged from his bunker to lead a solemn religious ceremony.—
Suzanne Maloney,
Foreign Affairs,
6 Aug. 2025
-
China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to such actions, and has lodged solemn representations with the Japanese side.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Some serious symptoms of a West Nile virus infection include fever, severe headaches, stiff neck, disorientation or confusion.—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
17 Aug. 2025
-
Away from football, this has more serious ramifications.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Amid the Yankees' slump, Boone's leadership, managing style and willingness to be stern with players have all been questioned.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
-
The witness said Berrios was stern about handling the situation with Torres by herself.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
9 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Earnest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earnest. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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