Synonym Chooser

How is the word wholehearted distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of wholehearted are heartfelt, hearty, sincere, and unfeigned. While all these words mean "genuine in feeling," wholehearted suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving.

promised our wholehearted support

In what contexts can heartfelt take the place of wholehearted?

The meanings of heartfelt and wholehearted largely overlap; however, heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

expresses our heartfelt gratitude

When would hearty be a good substitute for wholehearted?

In some situations, the words hearty and wholehearted are roughly equivalent. However, hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

received a hearty welcome

Where would sincere be a reasonable alternative to wholehearted?

Although the words sincere and wholehearted have much in common, sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

a sincere apology

When can unfeigned be used instead of wholehearted?

The words unfeigned and wholehearted can be used in similar contexts, but unfeigned stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense.

her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

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 wholehearted The government, too, under the Republican administrations of Presidents Harding, Coolidge and Hoover, shared this spirit of wholehearted materialism, boosting corporations and otherwise taking a light touch to policy that corresponded with the prevailing anti-government sentiment of the time. Lila Thulin, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 May 2021 Two first-year coaches in Bubba Lemon and Robert Key, whose teams have taken to them with wholehearted-belief early in their tenure. Shane Hoffmann, oregonlive, 12 Mar. 2023 Now, the GOP is struggling to negotiate Trump’s wholehearted embrace of fringe candidates. Sarah Midkiff, refinery29.com, 19 Aug. 2020 With Tehran’s utter rejection of Biden administration efforts for conciliation and its wholehearted embrace of Moscow, U.S. and Israeli views of Iran have become more aligned. Walter Russell Mead, WSJ, 9 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for wholehearted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wholehearted
Adjective
  • Although Lederman is enthusiastic about this business model, Frannexus isn’t in the business of convincing clients to buy franchises.
    Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
  • There was an aerospace position that paid twice as much as U.S.G.S., and a mining venture that promised a novel application of A.I. Mary was not enthusiastic.
    E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Thurmond, the fervent segregationist senator from South Carolina, spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes — 46 minutes less than Booker.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Even when projects earned mixed reviews from film critics or flew under the radar, Kilmer’s performances still drew commendations and cultivated a fervent fan following.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Sanchez, who described herself as a passionate volleyball player in her youth, talked of girls’ losing coveted spots on teams, and in some cases suffering injuries during games because of trans athletes unfairly competing against them.
    Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The couple alternates between passionate embraces and domestic tension (an ambulance shows up in their driveway, at one point, its whirring red and blue light hinting something sinister has just taken place).
    Brent Lang, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Freeing Prince Charming As an ardent feminist, Cavallo found writing Rebel Girls came so naturally to her that the entire book was written in four months.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The other nephew is still an ardent adherent to the cult and has gifted much of his substantial wealth to it.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Without further context, the statement feels hollow — lacking both accountability and a genuine acknowledgment of the culture that made the boot iconic.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Is this the genuine cargo or some wiry wisp of a Ringo impersonator?
    Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wholehearted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholehearted. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wholehearted

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!