Synonym Chooser

How is the word wholehearted distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of wholehearted are heartfelt, hearty, sincere, and unfeigned. While all these words mean "genuine in feeling," wholehearted suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving.

promised our wholehearted support

In what contexts can heartfelt take the place of wholehearted?

The meanings of heartfelt and wholehearted largely overlap; however, heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

expresses our heartfelt gratitude

When would hearty be a good substitute for wholehearted?

In some situations, the words hearty and wholehearted are roughly equivalent. However, hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

received a hearty welcome

Where would sincere be a reasonable alternative to wholehearted?

Although the words sincere and wholehearted have much in common, sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

a sincere apology

When can unfeigned be used instead of wholehearted?

The words unfeigned and wholehearted can be used in similar contexts, but unfeigned stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense.

her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

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 wholehearted Hollywood’s wholehearted embrace of Mexico’s Alfonso Cuarón, Alejandro González Iñárritu and Guillermo del Toro has earned them enviable influential standing, five best directing Oscars in the last 10 years alone and a nickname — the Three Amigos. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2023 The government, too, under the Republican administrations of Presidents Harding, Coolidge and Hoover, shared this spirit of wholehearted materialism, boosting corporations and otherwise taking a light touch to policy that corresponded with the prevailing anti-government sentiment of the time. Lila Thulin, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 May 2021 Two first-year coaches in Bubba Lemon and Robert Key, whose teams have taken to them with wholehearted-belief early in their tenure. Shane Hoffmann, oregonlive, 12 Mar. 2023 Now, the GOP is struggling to negotiate Trump’s wholehearted embrace of fringe candidates. Sarah Midkiff, refinery29.com, 19 Aug. 2020 See All Example Sentences for wholehearted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wholehearted
Adjective
  • Clarkson previously told Billboard that Martin was enthusiastic about the pitch from the start.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 1 May 2025
  • Millay, an assiduous reader and enthusiastic quoter of poetry, was surely familiar with their work.
    A.O. Scott, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • On Capitol Hill, even some of Trump's most fervent supporters have rebuked Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for their removal of those positions.
    Dr. Mark Abdelmalek, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025
  • This is one of the situations where even the most fervent ‘anti-muted celebration’ crowd could forgive a player for toning things down a bit.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Leaders who are passionate about their work inspire their teams to share that enthusiasm.
    Edward DeAngelis, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Barman is passionate about removing friction in the DIY process.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Elon Musk, who was one of President Donald Trump's most ardent supporters in the lead-up to his election victory, did not donate any money toward his inauguration, a Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing shows.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Some political observers hope that Trump single-handedly inflicting deep financial pain on the world might break the spell among his most ardent supporters.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Build genuine connection with content that showcases your expertise and positions you as the obvious choice.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • That genuine bond off-screen has helped bring the series to life in a way that connects with viewers.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wholehearted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholehearted. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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