EARNESTS Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'earnest' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of earnest are grave , sedate , serious , sober , solemn , and staid . While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose. // an earnest reformer

Q: In what contexts can 'grave' take the place of 'earnest'?

The words grave and earnest can be used in similar contexts, but grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude. // read the proclamation in a grave voice

Q: When is it sensible to use 'sedate' instead of 'earnest'?

The synonyms sedate and earnest are sometimes interchangeable, but sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness. // remained sedate amid the commotion

Q: Where would 'serious' be a reasonable alternative to 'earnest'?

The words serious and earnest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, serious implies a concern for what really matters. // a serious play about social injustice

Q: When can 'sober' be used instead of 'earnest'?

In some situations, the words sober and earnest are roughly equivalent. However, sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity. // a sober look at the state of our schools

Q: When might 'solemn' be a better fit than 'earnest'?

Although the words solemn and earnest have much in common, solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity. // a sad and solemn occasion

Q: When is 'staid' a more appropriate choice than 'earnest'?

While the synonyms staid and earnest are close in meaning, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint. // a quiet and staid community

earnest 1 of 2

adjective

ˈər-nəst

Definition of earnest next

as in solemn

not joking or playful in mood or manner I'll accept only an earnest apology from you

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

earnest

2 of 2

noun

as in intentness

a mental state free of jesting or trifling I am in deadly earnest about this marriage proposal

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How is the word earnest different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of earnest are grave, sedate, serious, sober, solemn, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

In what contexts can grave take the place of earnest?

The words grave and earnest can be used in similar contexts, but grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.

read the proclamation in a grave voice

When is it sensible to use sedate instead of earnest?

The synonyms sedate and earnest are sometimes interchangeable, but sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

Where would serious be a reasonable alternative to earnest?

The words serious and earnest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

When can sober be used instead of earnest?

In some situations, the words sober and earnest are roughly equivalent. However, sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When might solemn be a better fit than earnest?

Although the words solemn and earnest have much in common, solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

When is staid a more appropriate choice than earnest?

While the synonyms staid and earnest are close in meaning, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.

a quiet and staid community

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 earnest

Adjective

Gabriell Salgado portrays Saquiel with a sweet, earnest quality. —

Mary Damiano, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2026 That O’Hara can simultaneously exude the earnest sadness of her character, draw audiences into the beauty of the song, and sell lyrics that are at least a little parodic is an enchanting feat. —

Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026

Noun

Her enthusiasm for connection and her earnest (but never self-congratulatory) search for truth seem to seep into the foundations of the novel, which is ultimately a hopeful tale of family transformation. —

Hannah Gold, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026 Negotiations to establish the bank started in earnest in 2014, as several Asian economies like India and Indonesia chose to join the new institution as members. —

Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 14 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for earnest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for earnest

Adjective

Queen Emma was the first to wear the sapphire tiara in official portraits and solemn ceremonies, setting a precedent that her successors respected.

— Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians, who may reflect, fast and attend special church services.

— Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Feb. 2026

Definition of solemn

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earned

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earnestly

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“Earnest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earnest. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 15 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of earnest

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