Synonyms for earnest
ˈɜr nɪstearnest

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:4.0 / 1 vote

1. earnest

   One is eager who impatiently desires to accomplish some end; one is earnest with a desire that is less impatient, but more deep, resolute, and constant; one is anxious with a desire that foresees rather the pain of disappointment than the delight of attainment. One is eager for the gratification of any appetite or passion; he is earnest in conviction, purpose, or character. Eager usually refers to some specific and immediate satisfaction, earnest to something permanent and enduring; the patriotic soldier is earnest in his devotion to his country, eager for a decisive battle.

   Synonyms:
   animated, anxious, ardent, burning, desirous, eager, enthusiastic, fervent, glowing, hot, impatient, impetuous, importunate, intense, intent, keen, longing, vehement, yearning, zealous

   Antonyms:
   apathetic, calm, careless, cold, cool, dispassionate, frigid, heedless, indifferent, negligent, phlegmatic, purposeless, regardless, stolid, stony, stupid, unconcerned, uninterested, unmindful, unmoved

   Preposition:
   Eager for (more rarely after) favor, honor, etc.; eager in pursuit.

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. earnest

   Synonyms:
   eager, serious, intent, determined, strenuous, solemn, grave, warm, fervent, intense, ardent

   Antonyms:
   indifferent, idle, playful, desultory, irresolute, unearnest, sportive, jesting, flippant

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:1.0 / 1 vote

1. earnestadjective

   something of value given by one person to another to bind a contract

   Antonyms:
   frivolous, purposeless, insincere

2. earnest, sincere, solemnadjective

   characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

   "both sides were deeply in earnest, even passionate"; "an entirely sincere and cruel tyrant"; "a film with a solemn social message"

   Synonyms:
   dear, heartfelt, businesslike, sincere, grave, sedate, sober, devout, solemn

   Antonyms:
   frivolous, insincere, purposeless

3. dear, devout, earnest, heartfeltadjective

   earnest

   "one's dearest wish"; "devout wishes for their success"; "heartfelt condolences"

   Synonyms:
   dear(p), pricy, pricey, devout, heartfelt, high-priced, beloved, businesslike, god-fearing, good, darling, costly, solemn, near, sincere, dear

   Antonyms:
   insincere, purposeless, frivolous

4. businesslike, earnestadjective

   not distracted by anything unrelated to the goal

   Synonyms:
   sincere, businesslike, devout, solemn, heartfelt, dear

   Antonyms:
   insincere, frivolous, purposeless

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. earnestadjective

   Synonyms:
   ardent, zealous, eager, fervent, fervid, glowing, animated, importunate, warm, hearty

2. earnestadjective

   Synonyms:
   intent, steady, fixed, close

3. earnestnoun

   Synonyms:
   seriousness, reality, not a jest

4. earnestnoun

   Synonyms:
   pledge, first-fruits

5. earnestnoun

   Synonyms:
   EARNEST-MONEY

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. earnestadjective

   Synonyms:
   unfeigned, ardent, sincere, fervent, impassioned, zealous, intent

2. earnestnoun

   Synonyms:
   sincerity, seriousness, good faith, pledge, handsel, token, foretaste

   Antonyms:
   jest

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "earnest":

   sincere, serious, conscientiously, fervent, seriousness, earnestly, ardent, seriously

How to pronounce earnest?

How to say earnest in sign language?

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

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Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use earnest in a sentence?

1. Jacob Blake:

   Today's decision is further evidence that our work is not done -- we must work each day in earnest toward a more just, more fair, and more equitable state and country, and to combat the racism experienced by Black Wisconsinites, i hope for peace and justice for Jacob, his family, and the entire Kenosha County community.

2. Alexander Grushko:

   I don't expect any breakthrough from this meeting, but we hope for an earnest discussion, including about the root causes of the crisis - not only in Russia-NATO relations, but ... also about the ones that led to the worsening of regional and European security.

3. Frederick William Robertson:

   This world is given as the prize for the men in earnest; and that which is true of this world, is truer still of the world to come.

4. Chris Remington:

   The massive redemptions that occurred in 2014 and in the opening of 2015 have largely abated, and short-term rates haven't started rising yet so increased retail buying hasn't begun in earnest.

5. Henry Tuckerman:

   To impress others we must be earnest; to amuse them, it is only necessary to be kindly and fanciful.