Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

earnestness

[ur-nist-nis] / ˈɜr nɪst nɪs /


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.

See Examples For:

There’s an earnestness in his appreciation of great literature that translates to his videos.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 5, 2026

The achievement of July 1776 was to articulate an idea—that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are inalienable rights endowed by the Creator—that could justify, sustain and reward that kind of earnestness.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 2, 2026

So unabashed, in fact, that his earnestness makes a familiar allegory take on powerful new resonance, as if Spielberg were trying to convey that humanity can still have a do-over.

From Salon Jun. 13, 2026

Like every other detail here, that implicit complaint is dusty and ossified, and Mr. Williamson’s formerly wised-up dialogue has been supplanted by a grinding earnestness, with everyone constantly asking about one another’s feelings.

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 26, 2026

“Never,” he said, his voice cracking with earnestness.

From "Among the Hidden" by Margaret Peterson Haddix




Vocabulary lists containing earnestness


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training