as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
I'll accept only an earnest apology from you
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of earnest
Simon Davidson,
Travel + Leisure,
19 June 2026
At first, the institute concentrated on earnest Marxian research projects.
—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
9 June 2026
Behind her back, her bosses began negotiating a secret plea deal in earnest with Epstein’s lawyers in July 2007.
—
Julie K. Brown,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for earnest
Adjective
Understated elegance, a spectacular setting, and earnest hospitality conspire to ensure guests unwind in luxury.
—
Simon Davidson,
Travel + Leisure,
19 June 2026
At first, the institute concentrated on earnest Marxian research projects.
—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Noun
Semiconductor stocks — Chip manufacturers slid as the tech sell-off resumed in earnest on Tuesday.
—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
9 June 2026
Behind her back, her bosses began negotiating a secret plea deal in earnest with Epstein’s lawyers in July 2007.
—
Julie K. Brown,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for earnest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earnest
Adjective
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To be fair, abducted 9-year-old Rainy is pretty cute, with solemn eyebrows and a conscience that continually puts her in peril.
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The once-rising developer’s solemn promise is not likely to be fulfilled if court records in his federal criminal case and a parallel Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit are any indication.
Noun
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As these events unfold, Early’s earnestness blurs comedy and drama, to surprisingly heartfelt effect.
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Western, for his part, had by this time recovered something of his usual bluster, and began again upon the subject of Blifil, commending his estate and his family with great earnestness, as though these considerations alone ought to have settled the matter long since.
Adjective
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What Research Shows About Cancer in Dogs While there is no evidence that turkey tail shrinks tumors, the mushroom has drawn real scientific interest as a complementary therapy for serious illness.
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The new guidance was heavily criticized by health groups, which argued the decision could sow confusion and leave children vulnerable to serious disease.
Noun
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Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.
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Since that date, the Philadelphia Semiconductor ETF has continued to defy gravity, adding 20%, while the Magnificent 7 as a group is down 10%.
Adjective
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Judges have to throw the book at those arrested to teach them a stern lesson.
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However, for students graduating right now, Hammer can't really summon up anything stern to say.
Cite this Entry
“Earnest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earnest. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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