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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

Examples 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 Skeleton Crew hit a bit of a slump last week with a fourth episode that nailed the sincere exchanges between characters, but not much else. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 26 Dec. 2024 The former ruling family, widely condemned over the president’s use of chemical weapons against his own civilians, have been portrayed as sincere sweethearts. Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Dec. 2024 This particular set of islanders seemed immune from the usual unscripted television fraudulence; their sincere reactions to romantic heartbreak and platonic betrayal accurately reflected the emotional rollercoaster of modern dating. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Dec. 2024 Less grimdark, more hopeful, more sincere, but not necessarily filled with your typical James Gunn goofiness. Erik Kain, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sincere 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sincere
Adjective
  • But 47 has navigated those waters better than most, delivering some genuine interpersonal conflict and elevating a handful of satisfyingly devious characters including the initially hapless Andy Rueda and Keyser Söze-ian corporate lawyer Genevieve Mushaluk.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Even beyond the idea that an actual curse has befallen Ruby — or has befallen everyone with the bad luck (or judgment?) to have hooked up with her — Laid operates in an exaggerated version of reality where genuine human emotion has to jostle for space with cartoon plot logic.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The actress, who plays an attorney and de facto detective, allows an honest revelation.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Below, take a look at our editors’ honest reviews of their favorite Jones Road beauty products.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Video mashups of barbers transforming their male clients with man units have racked up millions of views and sparked spirited commentary online, where men share heartfelt testimonies on how losing their hair rattled their confidence.
    Martine Thompson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
  • This heartfelt and charming road movie will connect to audiences worldwide.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This ensures that day-to-day administration and critical state functions remain unaffected.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Phoenix police said in an 11:15 p.m. post on X, formerly Twitter, that Sky Harbor operations later resumed and flights were unaffected by the shooting investigation.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • His life story is inspiring, and his love of country is as unfeigned as his faith.
    Daniel Foster, National Review, 30 Nov. 2023
  • Its combination of unfeigned earnestness and irreverent, early-Marvel-era wit can’t help but bring to mind that moment — that other world — when Obama was still president and Hamilton was taking its shot on Broadway.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2023
Adjective
  • The object of the game is simple: You’re dropped on a desert island with the goal of decorating it to create a paradise.
    Sarah Felbin, SELF, 31 Dec. 2024
  • The answer is simple: College football needs a new calendar to make a great game better and save it from itself.
    Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Breaking free from that inertia will be the industry’s true challenge.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 Jan. 2025
  • And this is the true challenge of any advancement in artificial intelligence, especially for those aiming to benefit all of humanity, as stated in OpenAI's AGI definition.
    Hamilton Mann, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • However, this innocent appearance doesn’t last long.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
  • According to the Death Penalty Information Center, 11 innocent people have been freed from Oklahoma's death row and seven clemencies have been granted in the state.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near sincere

Cite this Entry

“Sincere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sincere. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sincere

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