as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
I'll accept only an earnest apology from you
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in intentness
a mental state free of jesting or trifling
I am in deadly earnest about this marriage proposal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of earnest
Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Raised in Beverly Hills, Chamberlain was a rather inexperienced actor when he was hired to play James Kildare, an earnest intern with terrific bedside manner — and the mentee of Dr. Leonard Gillespie (Raymond Massey) — on Dr. Kildare.
—Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2025
Ahmed Nagi, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2023
The agreement was made during the NFL’s open negotiation window, but a contract can’t be officially signed until the start of the new league year when free agency starts in earnest on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Moehrig, 25, brings size and physicality to the Panthers’ safety room.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for earnest
Adjective
Jones’ earnest musings are now poised to find an unexpected spotlight and far broader audience.
—Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Raised in Beverly Hills, Chamberlain was a rather inexperienced actor when he was hired to play James Kildare, an earnest intern with terrific bedside manner — and the mentee of Dr. Leonard Gillespie (Raymond Massey) — on Dr. Kildare.
—Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
The parties can put forward their demands for discussion once a cease-fire is in place and talks start in earnest.
—Ahmed Nagi, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2023
The agreement was made during the NFL’s open negotiation window, but a contract can’t be officially signed until the start of the new league year when free agency starts in earnest on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Moehrig, 25, brings size and physicality to the Panthers’ safety room.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for earnest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earnest
Adjective
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In a solemn message, Dominican President Luis Abinader addressed the nation’s grief.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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In Ireland, however, St. Patrick’s Day remained a solemn day of observance with little revelry.—
Bryan McGovern,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Could this cause some serious anxiety, or even an existential crisis?—
Emily Forlini,
PC Magazine,
18 Apr. 2025
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The Mets’ prospects with experience in center field need more time in the minors before they can be considered serious options.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Raid 2, for instance, a two and a half hour crime and punishment epic, boils down to one man’s struggle to win the approval of his stern father; whether this is significant to Evans’ life or not, the motif nonetheless transitions cleanly into Havoc.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
26 Apr. 2025
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The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has issued a stern warning about a predatory fish that can grow up to 3 feet long, slither across land and breathe air.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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At each vote, a cardinal will write his choice on a piece of paper, process up to Michaelangelo’s giant fresco of the last judgment – which serves as a reminder of the gravity and sacredness of their responsibility – and drop his ballot in a chalice.—
Peter Pinedo,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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The real-life developments have lent new gravity to the film's depiction of the papal election process—a secretive, tradition-laden event now in motion in Rome.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Earnest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earnest. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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