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
  • She’s best known for her enthusiastic and approachable ditties on key subjects, like potty training.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Educators and parents are increasingly enthusiastic that matching learning styles to students will reap academic rewards.
    Suzanne Wright, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Human Rights Watch researcher Andreas Harsono told CNN that Prabowo remains popular amongst his most fervent supporters and backers from the military and business elites.
    Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025
  • During the day, fans can meander in and out of matches, keyed by the soundtrack of fervent applause in a close match, of grunts and skidding sneakers just a few feet away.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Miller is passionate about empowering others by providing information on the connection between physical health, lifestyle choices, and mental well-being.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Kaif Shaikh Kaif Shaikh is a journalist and writer passionate about turning complex information into clear, impactful stories.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • All hail this ardent, ferocious, baroque, bonkers bard.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Shinola continues to be an ardent promoter of Made in America.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv intends to expand such attacks, which Ukrainian officials and commanders have framed as a means to undermine Moscow's war effort and force the Kremlin into genuine negotiations.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2025
  • What often emerges from these operations is a community that appreciates accountability where genuine growth can take place.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wholehearted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholehearted. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wholehearted

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