SINCERE Synonyms: 126 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sincere

adjective

sin-ˈsir

Definition of sincere next

as in genuine

genuine in feeling she offered a sincere apology for her angry outburst

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in honest

free from any intent to deceive or impress others done out of a sincere desire to help others

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Self-identification and sincere belief of Indian ancestry, while meaningful on a personal level, cannot mean tribal nationhood and sovereignty. —

Alana Wise, NPR, 25 Jan. 2025 Jason Schwartzman, one of the most innovative actors of recent decades, is too easy to take for granted, because his acting remains inseparable from his utterly unique voice and diction, his air of inescapably sincere whimsy and thoughtful spontaneity. —

Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2025 Still the monologue had a sincere tone overall; Chalamet, rather than seeming like a sore loser, cannily presented himself as an underdog. —

Esther Zuckerman, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2025 The expectation is not for perfection but sincere intentions and impactful actions. —

Jesper Brodin, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sincere

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sincere

Adjective

The genuine impact of a viral trend can differ in menswear compared to womenswear.

— Maliha Shoaib, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025
The ambience at here is understated and elegant, and the staff's enthusiasm for the menu is genuine and infectious.

— Carissa & Dino Tozzi, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2025