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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 Again, our sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim of this senseless act of violence. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2025 Another way to break the ice before asking for their number is with a thoughtful observation, DeSantis adds—but make sure to focus on details that feel sincere, unforced, and well, not stalker-ish. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 2 Apr. 2025 As these mandates shift, the 25-year industry veteran sees the future of efforts like circularity and take-back programs depending less on compliance and more on whether the brand sees sincere value in them. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 Apr. 2025 Defenders of academic freedom — some of them sincere — have howled that the university is bending the knee to Donald Trump. The Editors, National Review, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sincere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sincere
Adjective
  • This is a moment of genuine courage and growth, but it can be dismissed as snitching by viewers who can’t see past her overconfidence from several hours ago.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Between the lines: Paxton is a genuine Trump ally and is eager to hit Cornyn for being a Washington establishment figure rather than true MAGA.
    Stef W. Kight, Axios, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The album is raw, honest, and deeply personal—a sonic letter to women and their stories, both told and untold.
    Nour Ezzedine, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This accountability between sustainability initiatives and resilience among uncertainty is sparking more honest conversations, leading to more realistic goal setting and, ultimately, more meaningful progress.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Touched by their heartfelt reactions, their father, Vinh Phan, decided to organize recitals to brighten the holiday season in senior centers, nursing homes, and memory care centers.
    Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But in the season finale, after Jaclyn apologizes, the group reaches a heartfelt reconciliation over dinner—anchored by Laurie's now-viral monologue, which has since been shared across social media along with people's thoughts on its impact.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Signal operations are otherwise unaffected, and motorists are reminded to always exercise caution around pedestrians.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Upon hearing the noise, everyone falls to the ground unconscious, except for Cameron, who is unaffected.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
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
  • Will people be more open and accept that a simple, inexpensive date isn’t the sign of low effort but rather a reflection of the economy none of us asked for?
    Myisha Battle, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Its second life on streaming has guided new viewers to the simple charms of one of the best mystery shows of all time.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Francis hailed as 'true advocate for peace' In 2019, Francis became the first pontiff to set foot on the peninsula where Islam was born.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Walker will likely need time to develop in the right system, and the Raiders should wait until later to take a true off-ball linebacker.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That innocent people are disappearing into El Salvador’s prisons is no secret—making the embrace of Bukele a disturbing signal of just how far a strongman can go without losing political ground.
    Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • His innocent questions were always softened by stoner jokes.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sincere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sincere. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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