EARNEST Synonyms: 144 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

earnest 1 of 2

adjective

ˈər-nəst

Definition of earnest next

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of earnest

Adjective

The everyone-is-beautiful dancefloor anthem, co-helmed by Norwegian writer/producer duo Stargate, was Perry’s most earnest and widely embraced hit to date — even as its video, an eventual video of the year VMA winner, also featured the titular item again being shot out of her chest. —

Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 26 Nov. 2024 The contemporary world doesn’t like anything too solemn or earnest. —

Dennis Zhou, The New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2024

Noun

The conversation about bringing it back started in earnest in 2023, according to Nick Alderink, cinema program director for Marquee Arts, the nonprofit group behind the festival. —

Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 13 June 2024 Forecasters say the snow will start overnight and already be falling in earnest by dawn Tuesday when voting gets underway and will continue through the afternoon before the storm moves away later in the day. —

Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for earnest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for earnest

Adjective

But less interesting doesn’t mean less impactful, as Foxx imbues with solemn reverence the emotional turmoil of re-learning to stand, walk, and clean himself.

Lucy Ford, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024
The actors are prime, but the movie is a solemn affair that could use more grandeur.

Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024