Definition of heartfeltnext
as in sincere
genuine in feeling a number of the retiring teacher's former students have expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable lessons they learned in his classroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word heartfelt distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of heartfelt are hearty, sincere, unfeigned, and wholehearted. While all these words mean "genuine in feeling," heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

expresses our heartfelt gratitude

When could hearty be used to replace heartfelt?

The words hearty and heartfelt can be used in similar contexts, but hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

received a hearty welcome

When is it sensible to use sincere instead of heartfelt?

In some situations, the words sincere and heartfelt are roughly equivalent. However, sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

a sincere apology

In what contexts can unfeigned take the place of heartfelt?

The meanings of unfeigned and heartfelt largely overlap; however, unfeigned stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense.

her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

When is wholehearted a more appropriate choice than heartfelt?

The words wholehearted and heartfelt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wholehearted suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving.

promised our wholehearted support

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 heartfelt Keith Richards, Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, Steve Earle, Jim James, and more all wrote heartfelt letters of recommendation on behalf of Gram. Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 14 Apr. 2026 The Lizzie McGuire alum posted several pictures and videos from throughout the years via Instagram Stories to celebrate the February holiday and couldn't help but add a little humor to the otherwise heartfelt message. Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026 Paintings of the course hang on the walls, as do photographs of famous people with heartfelt inscriptions. Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026 Erbert's heartfelt words resonated with hundreds of parents in the comments section, many of whom shared the new mom's sentiment and encouraged her to embrace every moment with her daughter. Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartfelt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartfelt
Adjective
  • Among her peers, Larsson is a traditionalist for her straightforward and sincere approach to live performance.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The two did a nice job portraying teenagers who go back and forth from sincere to ridiculously immature, but the best part was their horror when Jost fired back.
    Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • If that feeds through into hotter Consumer Price Index prints, the Fed's path to cutting gets narrower, and a hike becomes a genuine possibility rather than a fringe scenario.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Brown, who serves as executive chair of the BetterUp Center for Daring Leadership, says trust is earned in small, consistent moments when leaders show genuine interest in their employees’ lives.
    Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This was a performer whose sense of self-worth, depending on the day, ranged from unfeigned humility to desperate insecurity to full-on self-loathing.
    Bruce Handy, Air Mail, 3 May 2025
  • His life story is inspiring, and his love of country is as unfeigned as his faith.
    Daniel Foster, National Review, 30 Nov. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Heartfelt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartfelt. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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