in earnest
idiom
1
: in an earnest or serious way
The search began in earnest when the police arrived.
After light showers during the day, it began to rain in earnest in the evening.
It's hard to tell if he's making this proposal in earnest.
2
: not fooling : serious and sincere
We thought he was joking at first, but then we realized that he was in earnest.
Examples of in earnest in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While the Philadelphia Eagles put a bow on Super Bowl LIX celebrations today, the NFL offseason has begun in earnest.
—
Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
But Ringel’s script, which manages to skirt cheap laughs throughout, locates unexpected depth when a combination of carnal frustration, bad news and simmering resentments set the central pair against each other in earnest.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
The annual hearing features mayors from across the state who trek to Albany to lay out their fiscal needs before legislators and the governor begin talks in earnest on the state budget due in the spring.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025
On the inflation side, Kaplan sees the potential for tariffs to boost prices higher, while mass deportations — which began in earnest this week — could drive up labor costs.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025
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Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
But Ringel’s script, which manages to skirt cheap laughs throughout, locates unexpected depth when a combination of carnal frustration, bad news and simmering resentments set the central pair against each other in earnest.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
The annual hearing features mayors from across the state who trek to Albany to lay out their fiscal needs before legislators and the governor begin talks in earnest on the state budget due in the spring.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025
On the inflation side, Kaplan sees the potential for tariffs to boost prices higher, while mass deportations — which began in earnest this week — could drive up labor costs.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for in earnest
Dictionary Entries Near in earnest
Cite this Entry
“In earnest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20earnest. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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