earnest 1 of 2

adjective

ˈər-nəst How to pronounce earnest (audio)
Definition of earnestnext
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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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
While the American dream means different things to different people, it’s often built on earnest hopes: a fresh start, a safe home or even just a sense that tomorrow will be better than today. —Lindsey Downing, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 Momentous Human Payoff Ahead Moving the needle on the subjective vs. objective preponderance in psychology is going to take earnest and undeterred energy and attention. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
The work on finding the right pieces starts in earnest in Indianapolis. —Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2025 His meteoric rise to the first round of the 2024 draft started in earnest at Tennessee with an NCAA Elite Eight run after his second transfer. —Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for earnest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earnest
  1. solemn
  2. serious
  3. stern
  4. gravity
Adjective
  • Only the buzz of Israeli drones overhead filled the solemn silence.
    — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 7 June 2025
  • The score becomes grand and syrupy whenever there’s a big emotional revelation; characters deliver solemn soliloquies on the orderly beauty of math.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 June 2025
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • Nobody else can do what Isak does, but Newcastle lack serious backup at centre-forward.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • There were no serious injuries reported or arrests made among the crowd of about 500 teenagers.
    — David Matthews, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • It’s submerged 11 to 15 feet deep, with its stern facing the shore.
    — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2025
  • Tonight: Explore! TAURUS (April 20-May 20) ★★★ Avoid arguments with others today, which might arise with Mercury in your House of Communications at odds with stern Saturn.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 9 June 2025
Definition of stern
Noun
  • The sophomore shortstop, who came through with a bunt in the second inning that led to two crucial runs, wasn’t worried about the gravity of the situation.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
  • This also tends to include the use of World Models, consisting of broad constructions about how the physical world works, such as that we are bound to operate under conditions of gravity, and other physical laws of nature, see the link here.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of gravity

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Earnest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earnest. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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