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 Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Owain's family, friends, loved ones, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026 Instead, candidates should think about what a recruiter actually wants to hear, and write a heartfelt, human message that can break through the AI slop. Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 1 June 2026 Recorded in Madison, Wisconsin, the comedy set is both outspoken and heartfelt, telling stories about showing his teenage daughter John Carpenter’s Halloween for the first time, phone-banking for Kamala Harris, his 30 years on Prozac, and finding relief while scrolling through lawn-clearing videos. Steve Appleford, SPIN, 1 June 2026 McComb posted a heartfelt tribute to him the next day. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartfelt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartfelt
Adjective
  • Each arrived with immense wealth, sophisticated organizations, top consultants, endless advertising, and the sincere belief that success in business would naturally translate into success in politics.
    John Shallman, Oc Register, 3 June 2026
  • To some people the apology feels, and probably is, very sincere.
    Carita Rizzo, Deadline, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), critics question whether Washington’s diplomatic efforts to end decades of conflict in the mineral-rich east are driven by genuine security concerns.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
  • Pink is no comedian and many of the show’s bits fell flat, but the star’s fandom seemed genuine and her vocal prowess the envy of many a Tony nominee.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 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 11 Jun. 2026.

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