: in an earnest and serious manner : not lightly, casually, or flippantly
speaking earnestly
asking earnestly for forgiveness
providing the relief that they had earnestly hoped for
She spoke so earnestly, with such emotion in her voice, that Omakayas was always to remember that moment … Louise Erdrich
They sing contemporary R&B earnestly, like they borrowed it and want to return it in better condition than when they got it. Danyel Smith

Examples of earnestly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
However, a glaring gap has emerged and must be earnestly addressed: the need for fair, accurate and relevant representation of LGBTQ people. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025 Gaga embraced the weirdness by earnestly supporting the mouse, singing him a ballad and standing up to defend him. Esther Zuckerman, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2025 Many organizations earnestly sought meaningful change in the DEI construct but underestimated the calcified nature of (and ultimately familiarity and comfort with) status quo. Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 But the real Quaid is earnestly, acutely, even painfully aware of his privilege. Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for earnestly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of earnestly was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Earnestly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earnestly. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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