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Definitions

earnest

[ur-nist] / ˈɜr nɪst /
ADJECTIVE
very enthusiastic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ardent diligent fervent heartfelt impassioned passionate purposeful sincere urgent
STRONG
eager keen
WEAK
busy devoted fervid industrious perseverant sedulous vehement warm wholehearted zealous
Antonyms
STRONGEST
apathetic cold cool dispassionate frigid indifferent insincere unenthusiastic unexcited
WEAK
flippant thoughtless trivial unconcerned unimportant unpassionate unpurposeful unserious unthoughtful
ADJECTIVE
serious; very important
Synonyms
STRONGEST
sincere sober solemn somber thoughtful
STRONG
close constant firm grave intent stable steady
WEAK
determined fixed for real mean business meaningful no-fooling no-nonsense playing hard ball resolute resolved sedate staid weighty
Antonyms
STRONG
changeable inconstant irresolute loose unfixed unstable unsteady untrustworthy wavering weak wobbly
WEAK
flippant insincere thoughtless trivial unconcerned unenthusiastic unimportant unpassionate unpurposeful unserious unthoughtful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Gomez said the administration’s attacks on the network began in earnest with a defamation lawsuit against the network and “Good Morning America” anchor George Stephanopoulos that ABC settled for $16 million, including legal fees.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

It wasn’t until last year that Lilly started its expansion abroad in earnest.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

The term Flower Moon is thought to be a reference to the fact that May is when flowers begin to bloom in earnest with spring well and truly in full swing.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

The accusations are serious and the delivery is earnest yet somehow silly.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

As I wove my way through the sleepy streets toward what would soon be the infamous Griffin’s Wharf, I started my search for the Butterfly in earnest.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Vocabulary lists containing earnest

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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List 1

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"Macbeth" Vocabulary from Act I

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