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 His heartfelt remarks also alluded to his wife's previous treatment for cancer. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026 Almost three years have elapsed since Reynolds made this heartfelt speech in the home dressing room after Wrexham drew 3-3 with Sheffield United in a thrilling fourth-round tie broadcast live to millions across the UK and beyond by the BBC’s flagship show Match of the Day. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026 Holding planes to make tight connections, heartfelt notes from the crew, and neighboring passengers helping grievers navigate the airport before landing have all made the internet rounds. Samantha Leal, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026 Once things turn around, April and beyond bring sparkling opportunities in many of the most heartfelt parts of life, as well as financial and career sectors. Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartfelt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartfelt
Adjective
  • Rosalía can have a sincere desire to know the world via the arts and a sixth sense for what sets people off.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025
  • When they are returned, entire communities celebrate with sincere happiness.
    Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Nothing wrong with a little fantasy, but this year’s astrology asks us to stop romanticizing potential and start paying attention to what feels genuine, reciprocal and enduring.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The tears in Yang’s eyes appeared genuine.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 7 Jan. 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 12 Jan. 2026.

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