Synonym Chooser

How is the word wholehearted distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of wholehearted are heartfelt, hearty, sincere, and unfeigned. While all these words mean "genuine in feeling," wholehearted suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving.

promised our wholehearted support

In what contexts can heartfelt take the place of wholehearted?

The meanings of heartfelt and wholehearted largely overlap; however, heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

expresses our heartfelt gratitude

When would hearty be a good substitute for wholehearted?

In some situations, the words hearty and wholehearted are roughly equivalent. However, hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

received a hearty welcome

Where would sincere be a reasonable alternative to wholehearted?

Although the words sincere and wholehearted have much in common, sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

a sincere apology

When can unfeigned be used instead of wholehearted?

The words unfeigned and wholehearted can be used in similar contexts, but unfeigned stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense.

her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

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 wholehearted Leif’s wholehearted but clear-eyed devotion to Sigrid becomes our most sensitive barometer for understanding what this mission is doing to her soul. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 Instead, the United States should signal its wholehearted commitment to the integrity of the Kenyan electoral process and the rule of law by supporting a swift judicial review of any allegations of irregularity. Bronwyn Bruton, Foreign Affairs, 3 Mar. 2013 Visitors expecting the grandeur of a luminary have been surprised by the house’s relatively modest size and its wholehearted embrace of the trappings of popular culture. Michael T. Bertrand, The Conversation, 5 June 2024 Hollywood’s wholehearted embrace of Mexico’s Alfonso Cuarón, Alejandro González Iñárritu and Guillermo del Toro has earned them enviable influential standing, five best directing Oscars in the last 10 years alone and a nickname — the Three Amigos. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for wholehearted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wholehearted
Adjective
  • Jeremiah is not enthusiastic about his summer internship with his dad’s company, and the last thing his dad wants to talk about is the wedding.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Diamandis was enthusiastic about the injection, but hardly impartial; the treatment was about to be trialled on two hundred Fountain Life patients, including him.
    Tad Friend, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • However, after reading these fervent testimonials from our readers, my views have been swayed.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Mauer has a fervent pride in his home city and, specifically, his baseball neighborhood, with Toni Stone Field and the Dunning Sports Complex serving as the hubs.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Some of the most passionate, high-performing people work more than 60 hours a week.
    Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Prince William is a passionate soccer fan and patron of the Football Association, soccer's governing body in England.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • One of Trump’s most ardent conservative supporters, former Fox News host Megyn Kelly, lashed out last month over the initial reports about a possible Diddy pardon, vehemently advocating against one.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The ardent belief is that there is a missing piece that nobody has identified yet.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • The most effective solution lies in embracing genuine flexibility.
    Rob Lydic, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • With big sponsors such as Barclays, promoters like Live Nation and even investors like Blackrock, Vanguard and KKR now a target for activists, there’s a genuine fear that the tap could be turned off.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wholehearted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholehearted. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wholehearted

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