Synonyms of sincere

sincere

adjective

sin-ˈsir 

1

as in genuine

genuine in feeling

she offered a sincere apology for her angry outburst

Synonyms & Similar Words

• genuine
• heartfelt
• unfeigned
• honest
• unaffected
• authentic
• true
• ingenuous
• transparent
• unforced
• artless
• wholehearted
• translucent
• hearty
• whole-souled

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• insincere
• false
• artificial
• feigned
• affected
• hypocritical
• unctuous
• backhanded
• mealy
• double-dealing
• two-faced
• mealymouthed
• left-handed

2

as in honest

free from any intent to deceive or impress others

done out of a sincere desire to help others

Synonyms & Similar Words

• genuine
• honest
• unaffected
• simple
• true
• innocent
• real
• naive
• guileless
• ingenuous
• straightforward
• artless
• spontaneous
• unpretentious
• unpretending
• inexperienced
• on the level
• candid
• natural
• childlike
• frank
• direct
• trustful
• unsophisticated
• open
• unworldly
• straight
• impressionable
• persuadable
• wide-eyed
• trusting
• unforced
• malleable
• simpleminded
• openhearted
• plain
• unstudied
• plainspoken
• gullible
• dewy-eyed
• unguarded
• single-minded
• gee-whiz
• free
• persuasible
• susceptible
• free-spoken
• exploitable
• unwary

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• insincere
• false
• critical
• assuming
• artificial
• dishonest
• cynical
• fake
• phony
• pretentious
• skeptical
• artful
• affected
• wary
• suspicious
• sophisticated
• worldly
• mistrustful
• cosmopolitan
• cultured
• civilized
• polished
• guileful
• hypocritical
• refined
• cultivated
• deceptive
• subtle
• manipulative
• deceitful
• dissembling
• dissimulating
• shrewd
• sharp
• devious
• crooked
• smooth
• cunning
• worldly-wise
• sly
• crafty
• slick
• wily
• designing
• flattering
• slippery
• underhanded
• tricky
• shifty
• scheming
• calculating
• unctuous
• foxy
• feigned
• arch
• strained
• forced
• two-faced
• double-dealing
• sycophantic
• knavish
• canny
• mealymouthed

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sincere distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sincere are heartfelt, hearty, unfeigned, and wholehearted. While all these words mean "genuine in feeling," sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

a sincere apology

When can heartfelt be used instead of sincere?

While in some cases nearly identical to sincere, heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

expresses our heartfelt gratitude

When could hearty be used to replace sincere?

Although the words hearty and sincere have much in common, hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

received a hearty welcome

Where would unfeigned be a reasonable alternative to sincere?

In some situations, the words unfeigned and sincere are roughly equivalent. However, unfeigned stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense.

her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

When might wholehearted be a better fit than sincere?

The synonyms wholehearted and sincere are sometimes interchangeable, but wholehearted suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving.

promised our wholehearted support

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sincere

To be reasonable, in Rawls’s sense, is to accept that one’s deepest convictions may fail to command assent from others who are no less sincere or thoughtful, and then to propose terms of political coöperation that others can appreciate. —Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

Specialty plates began with sincere, heartfelt intentions. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2026

The two did a nice job portraying teenagers who go back and forth from sincere to ridiculously immature, but the best part was their horror when Jost fired back. —Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026

The result is a story that should feel more sincere, with the emotion earned rather than manufactured — a common criticism of the movie. —Pamela Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026