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Synonym Chooser

How is the word sincere distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sincere are heartfelt, hearty, unfeigned, and wholehearted. While all these words mean "genuine in feeling," sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

a sincere apology

When can heartfelt be used instead of sincere?

While in some cases nearly identical to sincere, heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

expresses our heartfelt gratitude

When could hearty be used to replace sincere?

Although the words hearty and sincere have much in common, hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

received a hearty welcome

Where would unfeigned be a reasonable alternative to sincere?

In some situations, the words unfeigned and sincere are roughly equivalent. However, unfeigned stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense.

her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

When might wholehearted be a better fit than sincere?

The synonyms wholehearted and sincere are sometimes interchangeable, but wholehearted suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving.

promised our wholehearted support

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 sincere Since then, two churches that originated in Brazil have secured the right to use ayahuasca during ceremonies in the U.S. Psychedelic churches, some sincere in their spiritual convictions and others not so much, are opening at an accelerated rate. Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 Slauson Rec, drawn from several years’ worth of intimate video recordings of an experimental theater company, is a sincere exploration of collective creativity. Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025 In practice, this means making time for one-on-one check-ins, sharing sincere recognition, and being fully present in meetings. Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 The kids are honest and sincere, not stuck up, not phony. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sincere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sincere
Adjective
  • That genuine moment became a symbol of love, sacrifice and something deeper — breaking generational cycles.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 30 May 2025
  • Listen actively to the client's concerns, demonstrating genuine empathy for their position.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Players appreciated such an honest approach during the Euro 2022 campaign, which garnered mutual respect and trust.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • So much of it feels like a fever dream, to be honest, being in Singapore.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • His reactions, rage and paternal protectiveness are heartfelt and authentic.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
  • Emma’s advice to other parents is just as heartfelt.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott emphasized that the city's drinking water remains unaffected by the spill.
    Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • The administration’s alternate pathways to imposing its tariffs and avoid legal scrutiny could include using Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which was unaffected by the court’s ruling.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • This was a performer whose sense of self-worth, depending on the day, ranged from unfeigned humility to desperate insecurity to full-on self-loathing.
    Bruce Handy, Air Mail, 3 May 2025
  • His life story is inspiring, and his love of country is as unfeigned as his faith.
    Daniel Foster, National Review, 30 Nov. 2023
Adjective
  • In addition to experiencing a surge of sensual energy with greater emphasis on life’s simple pleasures, Venus in Taurus has everything to do with feeling grounded and finding stability in both love and finances.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • The way to peace is simple: get Hamas out and get aid in.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • The formula for ‘true tackles’ is slightly more long-winded: tackles + challenges lost + fouls committed.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • The young man is at a crossroads between pursuing shallow, glitzy easy money, or being true to his emotional and artistic muses.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Al Nassr When a YouTuber named Abu Omar dared to do an innocent impression of supervillain Lionel Messi at the home of Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr gave a calm and measured response.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • While our lives tick along as normal these endless thousands of innocent human souls are still being expelled from the earth… for what?
    Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sincere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sincere. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sincere

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