earnest

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.

This time, he maintains a resolutely earnest stance, and though that worked fine in “A.I.” because its conclusion was so overwhelming, “Disclosure Day” wraps up by drawing our attention to a single, final word.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Construction on housing is expected to start in earnest next year on the campus of Vermont’s Goddard College, which closed in 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

This “Scary Movie” makes fun of all four of those newer hits, as well as the recent rebooquels of “Halloween,” which was earnest, and “Scream,” which couldn’t decide what tone to hit.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

“Propeller One-Way Night Coach” is as earnest as they come, more candid than any memoir and more interesting than any biopic.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

A very friendly shake of the hand, a very earnest “Good-bye,” closed the speech, and the door had soon shut out Frank Churchill.

From "Emma" by Jane Austen