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
In the first, the scrappy Italian American reporter Nick falls for Andy, the earnest, hapless son of a press mogul. —Olivia Waite, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 But in the end, whether Bishop was ever earnest or was always running an elaborate con is beside the point for Dixon. —David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
The invite to come by rang in earnest when your boy said it. —Jennifer Harlan, New York Times, 13 Dec. 2024 The trek starts in earnest on April 29 in Salt Lake City and will run through July 1 in San Francisco. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 19 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for earnest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earnest
  1. solemn
  2. serious
  3. stern
  4. gravity
Adjective
  • Pope Misses Start of Lent The Catholic Church began the solemn Lenten season on Wednesday without Pope Francis because of his ongoing hospitalization.
    — Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The Catholic Church opened the solemn Lenten season without the pope's participation.
    — Bradford Betz, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • The Aggies are in a serious rough patch, however, having lost their last three games in a row.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
  • This recall highlights a serious labeling loophole: How many products are incorrectly marketed as food but fail to meet safety standards?
    — Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • Lilian laughed, but Dr. Fenton remained stern, only nodding at Lilian’s understanding.
    — Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Waves of anti-Tesla and Elon Musk protests ripple throughout Bay Area Related Articles With few options, Bay Area Democrats in Congress oppose Trump with stern letters, town halls and protest California’s first zero-emission car mandates are coming.
    — CNN.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2025
Definition of stern
Noun
  • The altered weight distribution also helps, placing the centre of gravity closer to the securing hand.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • There’s even a gold broom applicator to seriously pamper yourself after a long day of defying gravity.
    — Katy Herman, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of gravity

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Cite this Entry

“Earnest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earnest. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of earnest for Spanish Speakers

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