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
  • According to Nietzel, the increase seems to be driven by a younger demographic, who are generally more open-minded and enthusiastic about treatments, and view it as a form of bonding time.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 29 Oct. 2025
  • China also wasn’t the pushover that the most enthusiastic spy reports suggested.
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This reflection is what inspires the characters’ personal reflections, their detailing of the mythopoetic wonder of their proximity to the land, their intense solidarity with one another, and their fervent attachment to their individual and collective past.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The famous painter Jacques-Louis David, a fervent Jacobin under the Terror, subsequently committed himself to bringing the French people back together.
    Time, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With more than 33 billion plays and one of the most passionate fanbases on the Roblox platform, Grow a Garden is a game where players cultivate thriving gardens, trade crops, decorate worlds, and collaborate in seasonal events.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Both are impeccably made and performed and will have passionate supporters.
    Jenelle Riley, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to gaining glowing reviews (100 on Rotten Tomatoes, 87 on MetaCritic) and ardent admirers, Joseph’s feature debut won the FIPRESCI Award at Viennale 2025 and shared the Bruce Sinofsky Award in the Documentary Feature Competition at the Montclair Film Festival.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2025
  • And while the Walkman and Discman allowed for on-the-go privacy, even their most ardent defenders would admit that these devices were clunky compromises.
    Jonathan Garrett, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Town & Country takes its characters and their struggles at face value and, despite some gentle needling, celebrates their genuine camaraderie and familial commitment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • According to the filmmakers, the character’s journey toward genuine courage forms the emotional core of the story.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wholehearted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholehearted. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wholehearted

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