earnestness

[ur-nist-nis] / ˈɜr nɪst nɪs /

NOUN

determination; seriousness

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ardor devotion enthusiasm fervor firmness intensity sincerity solemnity tenacity urgency warmth zeal

STRONG

absorption attentiveness concentration decision deliberation doggedness eagerness engrossment gravity intentness keenness passion perseverance persistence purposefulness resolution resolve serious-mindedness sobriety stress vehemence

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apathy coldness coolness indifference lethargy weakness

STRONG

idleness indecision indolence question unimportance wavering

WEAK

flippancy insincerity

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.

The group’s aesthetic blends ’90s nostalgia and modern editing tricks, all delivered with a curious blend of camp and earnestness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

Yet, at the same time, Penn and Teller performed with earnestness and never judged their audiences.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2025

I hear similarities in the guitar playing, though I think you balance earnestness with a knowing quality I don’t get from stomp-clap.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 8, 2025

Over time, however, they found that their partner became more caring when they maintained key traits like earnestness and an affinity for art.

From Slate • Sep. 25, 2025

In his earnestness, Dr. Luzan kept delving further into my psyche, plumbing the depths.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Vocabulary lists containing earnestness

The Devil's Arithmetic

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Dracula

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Lee Surrenders to Grant (1865)

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