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 The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for nine consecutive weeks, became an instant hallmark of the mid-2000s, and cemented Ne-Yo’s brand of heartfelt autofiction. — Clover Hope, Pitchfork, 25 Oct. 2026 The post featured a compilation of photos and videos of herself and her brother over the years, as well as a heartfelt letter in the caption. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 25 Oct. 2026 After the 14-year-old actor, who plays Morgan’s (Olson) son Elliot on the ABC crime procedural, announced this week in a heartfelt statement that his mother Meredith died, his co-stars paid their respects in the comments section. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2026 Beyond that, this hilarious, heartfelt two-hander is a strong best-picture contender, and Malkovich, who took the Venice Film Festival’s Volpi Cup for best actor, is also a frontrunner for his charming, slippery turn. — Radhika Seth, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartfelt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartfelt
Adjective
  • Make something, offer a sincere compliment, or invite someone into the fun.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Go anywhere in the country and a warm, sincere welcome is virtually guaranteed—especially in the Punakha Valley.
    — Luke Abrahams, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In an interview and written response, Benson said researchers who take funding from oil companies are motivated not by corporate agendas, but by genuine interest in the work.
    — Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • If tokenization can demonstrate meaningful capital formation and genuine secondary-market liquidity in sport, the implications could extend beyond it, supporting the broader adoption of tokenized assets across the economy.
    — Julian La Picque, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 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 7 Nov. 2026.

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