Synonyms of hearty

hearty 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhär-tē 

1

as in fervent

characterized by unqualified enthusiasm

his decision to marry at long last has the whole family's hearty approval

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fervent
• enthusiastic
• passionate
• ardent
• wholehearted
• genuine
• whole-souled
• lively
• warm
• excited
• sincere
• vigorous
• eager
• earnest
• spirited
• exuberant
• impassioned
• zealous
• heartfelt
• vehement
• energetic
• avid
• keen
• absolute
• animated
• bona fide
• single-minded
• unequivocal
• unaffected
• gung ho
• raring
• undisguised
• mettlesome
• unfeigned
• unrestrained

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• grudging
• tepid
• halfhearted
• lukewarm
• indifferent
• disinterested
• perfunctory
• dispassionate
• tentative
• listless
• uninterested
• apathetic
• uncertain
• qualified
• unenthusiastic
• spiritless
• hesitant
• lackadaisical
• resistant
• unexcited
• equivocal
• doubtful
• reluctant
• dilatory
• unwilling
• hedging
• delayed
• uneager
• forced
• reticent
• hesitating

2

as in healthy

enjoying health and vigor

you're looking really hearty after that month in the clear mountain air!

Synonyms & Similar Words

• healthy
• well
• robust
• hale
• sturdy
• strong
• whole
• wholesome
• sound
• fit
• bouncing
• hardy
• in shape
• lively
• thriving
• able-bodied
• tough
• good
• well-conditioned
• vigorous
• in the pink
• active
• agile
• rugged
• in fine fettle
• lusty
• stalwart
• iron
• hard
• chipper
• ambulatory
• prospering
• sprightly
• vital
• flourishing
• clean-cut
• flush
• nondisabled
• right
• spry
• blooming
• all right
• uncrippled
• sprightful

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sick
• ill
• feeble
• weak
• diseased
• unhealthy
• unfit
• sickly
• ailing
• unsound
• weakly
• unwell
• infirm
• delicate
• weakened
• decrepit
• frail
• disabled
• enfeebled
• fragile
• sickened
• incapacitated
• debilitated
• haggard
• gaunt
• worn-out
• run-down
• malnourished
• troubled
• emaciated
• bad
• poorly
• undernourished
• differently abled
• afflicted

3

as in warm

having or showing kindly feeling and sincere interest

the mayor gave the assembled volunteers his hearty thanks for their restoration of the bandstand on the town square

Synonyms & Similar Words

• warm
• friendly
• gracious
• merry
• sweet
• comradely
• neighborly
• nice
• collegial
• companionable
• cordial
• genial
• affectionate
• loving
• warmhearted
• chummy
• amicable
• hail-fellow-well-met
• fraternal
• matey
• palsy
• good-natured
• hospitable
• jolly
• social
• palsy-walsy
• familiar
• bonhomous
• convivial
• hail-fellow
• buddy-buddy
• jovial
• close
• affable
• folksy
• agreeable
• approachable
• outgoing
• clubby
• sociable
• brotherly
• adoring
• good-tempered
• devoted
• fond
• gregarious
• intimate
• sisterly
• extroverted
• tender
• tenderhearted
• lovesome

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hostile
• antagonistic
• unfriendly
• cold
• cool
• wintry
• chilly
• icy
• frosty
• glacial
• frigid
• alienated
• aggressive
• belligerent
• combative
• contentious
• quarrelsome
• bellicose
• argumentative
• truculent
• pugnacious
• inhospitable
• estranged
• inimical
• cold-blooded
• unsocial
• scrappy
• unsociable
• disputatious

4

as in strong

not showing weakness or uncertainty

gave the reins a hearty tug but the horse wouldn't budge

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strong
• solid
• sturdy
• vigorous
• firm
• robust
• stout
• powerful
• lusty
• iron
• forceful
• tough
• mighty
• lively
• brisk
• hard
• spirited
• jaunty
• energetic
• ironclad
• sprightly
• peppy
• perky
• vivacious
• jazzy
• animated
• unyielding
• springy
• confident
• frisky
• certain
• vital
• sure
• sanguine
• secure
• zippy
• assured
• sprightful

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weak
• feeble
• uncertain
• frail
• fragile
• limp
• listless
• spiritless
• insecure
• diffident
• wimpy
• effete
• spineless
• characterless
• weakened
• weak-kneed
• self-doubting
• wishy-washy

hearty

2 of 2

noun

as in sailor

one who operates or navigates a seagoing vessel

gather round me hearties, and I'll tell you a sea tale that'll shiver your timbers for sure

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sailor
• mariner
• navigator
• salt
• tar
• seaman
• sea dog
• seafarer
• gob
• swab
• swabbie
• shipman
• jack-tar
• shipmate
• jack
• crewman
• coxswain
• deckhand
• lubber
• able seaman
• limey
• sailboater
• able-bodied seaman
• powerboater
• lime-juicer

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hearty distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of hearty are heartfelt, sincere, unfeigned, and wholehearted. While all these words mean "genuine in feeling," hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

received a hearty welcome

In what contexts can heartfelt take the place of hearty?

While the synonyms heartfelt and hearty are close in meaning, heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

expresses our heartfelt gratitude

When might sincere be a better fit than hearty?

The words sincere and hearty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

a sincere apology

When would unfeigned be a good substitute for hearty?

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

her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

When could wholehearted be used to replace hearty?

The words wholehearted and hearty can be used in similar contexts, but wholehearted suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving.

promised our wholehearted support

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hearty

Adjective

Today’s recipe Fresh, crunchy bread crumbs add contrast to this light chickpea and escarole soup that eats like a hearty meal. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Before striking out on adventure, head to Snake River Roasting Company for a small-batch specialty coffee and hearty breakfast burrito. — Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

While that remains true, many winemakers in northern Spain have expanded their repertoire to include more complex, fuller-bodied versions of the variety that can be enjoyed in the fall alongside heartier fare. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026

Whole-wheat pasta can have an earthier, nuttier taste than regular pasta, which can make for a hearty, fiber-rich meal. — Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 19 Oct. 2026