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 At the core of this collection, though, is the heartfelt search for a place to call home, both literally and metaphorically. Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 21 June 2026 As these events unfold, Early’s earnestness blurs comedy and drama, to surprisingly heartfelt effect. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026 But a secret romance brews between young players of a Swiss soccer team in this heartfelt drama. Carlos Aguilar, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026 The new mom shared her baby's name in a heartfelt letter on her Substack, Beau Society. Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartfelt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartfelt
Adjective
  • The Dodgers have issued a statement offering their sincere condolences to his family.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • External pressure in the absence of sincere engagement also can put too heavy a physical and emotional load on some children.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • The family of a 26-year-old man who was shot and killed in Fort Worth last week remembers his bright smile and genuine laugh.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
  • The film, based on Thomas Perry’s novel Strip, wears its influences — ranging from Elmore Leonard to Carl Hiaasen to Quentin Tarantino — heavily, without the genuine wit of many of its predecessors.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 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 3 Jul. 2026.

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