wholehearted

adjective

ˈhōl-ˈhär-təd How to pronounce wholehearted (audio)
Definition of wholeheartednext
as in enthusiastic
characterized by unqualified enthusiasm wholehearted praise for the novel by the leading critics

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  1. enthusiastic
  2. fervent
  3. passionate
  4. ardent
  5. genuine
Adjective
  • Like Lynch, Coulson was an enthusiastic practitioner of transcendental meditation, which Green was also persuaded to try.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Then the good fortunes of an enthusiastic screening at France's Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June of 2024 landed the project a theatrical distribution partner in the indie firm, Ketchup Entertainment.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of enthusiastic
Adjective
  • The event, held just days before the election, was characterized by its high-profile attendees and the fervent support of the MAGA base.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
  • That means that some of the most fervent soccer fans in the world need to be starting their visa process now before World Cup qualifying is complete and approximately nine months before tickets actually go on sale.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of fervent
Adjective
  • Dr Margie Warrell is a leadership coach, author and keynote speaker who is passionate about helping women lead boldly.
    — Margie Warrell, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • And Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos, who has built a passionate following of serious collectors with her Mahnaz Collection of rare jewelry, is now bringing vintage watches into the mix.
    — Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of passionate
Adjective
  • Heinlein's book has been the subject of some controversy, as its ardent militarism and unsympathetic rendering of alien antagonists have been widely described as fascist.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The sea of ardent fans answered his call to repeat his tagline, too.
    — Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of ardent
Adjective
  • The Color Purple should be the lasting career touchstone for both Goldberg and Winfrey, its genuine popularity sustained through perennial TV runs and word of mouth, despite critical and industry controversy.
    — Armond White, National Review, 7 Mar. 2025
  • That said, the production design and visual effects are a genuine highlight, in particular Terry Notary’s movement choreography for the robots, which helps to better anthropomorphize the characters.
    — Courtney Howard, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of genuine

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Cite this Entry

“Wholehearted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholehearted. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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