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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for wholehearted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wholehearted
Adjective
  • Listen to him bum-rush a workers’ union meeting and begin describing, with over-enthusiastic earnestness, how dogs get a raw deal.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Now, a couple of posts can result in an influx of enthusiastic participants for rookie organizers who lack the structure to host them.
    Cate Charron, IndyStar, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Bompastor’s lack of reaction was telling — as referee Michalina Diakow pointed to the spot, the head coach barely looked up from her fervent conversation with Erin Cuthbert on the touchline.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • In monetizing each listen, Spotify gave artists distinct incentives to cultivate fervent fan loyalty.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Alongside contemporaries including Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and Maxwell, the neo-soul class focused on recapturing the live, thick instrumentation, rich songwriting and weighted, passionate delivery of its nominal genre predecessor.
    Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2025
  • For viewers in the US interested in Canadian sports, CTV provides a window into some of the country’s most passionate sporting traditions alongside major American league coverage.
    Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The event was founded in 2016 by Queen Rania of Jordan, who has been an ardent supporter in bringing the nation’s artisan and craft capabilities to the international fore.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • And his explicit lyrics – most of which are in Spanish – would make even the most ardent free speech warrior cringe.
    Ediberto Román, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Thune, due to the Senate filibuster, has been forced to take a more nuanced approach, using a combination of political pressure and genuine outreach.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Advertisement But political divisions remained because of genuine ideological differences.
    Time, Time, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wholehearted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholehearted. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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