heartfelt

adjective

ˈhärt-ˌfelt How to pronounce heartfelt (audio)
Definition of heartfeltnext
as in sincere
genuine in feeling a number of the retiring teacher's former students have expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable lessons they learned in his classroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word heartfelt distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of heartfelt are hearty, sincere, unfeigned, and wholehearted. While all these words mean "genuine in feeling," heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

expresses our heartfelt gratitude

When could hearty be used to replace heartfelt?

The words hearty and heartfelt can be used in similar contexts, but hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

received a hearty welcome

When is it sensible to use sincere instead of heartfelt?

In some situations, the words sincere and heartfelt are roughly equivalent. However, sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

a sincere apology

In what contexts can unfeigned take the place of heartfelt?

The meanings of unfeigned and heartfelt largely overlap; however, unfeigned stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense.

her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

When is wholehearted a more appropriate choice than heartfelt?

The words wholehearted and heartfelt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wholehearted suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving.

promised our wholehearted support

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 heartfelt After years of emergency calls to their Garland home, the family of Robert Schmidt found a heartfelt way to thank the Station One firefighters who cared for him. —Erin Jones, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 The dancing was kinetic and unrelenting, the show studded with myriad Easter eggs reflecting his heritage, the spectacle one of the most bracing and heartfelt the NFL has hosted in recent history. —Jason Lamphier, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026 Craft Cards Kit - Scratch Hearts What’s more heartfelt than a handcrafted Valentine’s Day card? —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026 Chatbots can craft emotionally resonant responses that sound genuinely heartfelt. —Julian Givi, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartfelt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartfelt
  1. sincere
  2. genuine
  3. unfeigned
Adjective
  • The staff instead conveys a sincere joy at welcoming guests to their corner of Mexico.
    — John Newton, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Initially, neither party trusts the other, and the surprising but emotionally logical betrayal that prompts the film’s high-stakes climax carries a lovingly sincere intention.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
Definition of sincere
Adjective
  • The files have created some genuine issues for news organizations, whose ranks are filled with individuals with whom Epstein hoped to forge personal connections.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Both players had fists full of each other’s shirts, but the referee pointed to the spot and deemed Akpoguma not to have made a genuine attempt for the ball.
    — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • This was a performer whose sense of self-worth, depending on the day, ranged from unfeigned humility to desperate insecurity to full-on self-loathing.
    — Bruce Handy, Air Mail, 3 May 2025
  • His life story is inspiring, and his love of country is as unfeigned as his faith.
    — Daniel Foster, National Review, 30 Nov. 2023
Definition of unfeigned

Browse Nearby Words

heartens
heartfelt
heart-free
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on heartfelt

Nglish: Translation of heartfelt for Spanish Speakers

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