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

Asking a sincere question could create more connection than offering the perfect answer. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 2026

Ed, Eddie Friedrich Prince Friedrich of Prussia is a well-mannered, thoughtful, and sincere suitor to Eloise Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026

Taking these perspectives seriously required researchers to extend trust, too — trust in their community partners and a sincere belief that knowledge from outside traditional research settings could improve their work. — Caroline Montojo, STAT, 14 Sep. 2026

Whether underlying motivations are sincere or not, ongoing public discussion about AI development and regulation is important and timely. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Sep. 2026