Definitions

in earnest

ADJECTIVE

sobersided

Synonyms

WEAK

austere bound bound and determined businesslike cold sober contemplative deadpan deliberate determined downbeat earnest funereal genuine go for broke grave grim honest intent long-faced meditative no-nonsense pensive pokerfaced reflective resolute resolved sedate set severe sincere sober solemn staid steady stern thoughtful unhumorous unsmiling weighty

ADVERB

seriously

Synonyms

STRONGEST

actively earnestly passionately sincerely vigorously

STRONG

gravely

WEAK

all joking aside cool it cut the comedy determinedly down fervently for real in all conscience in all seriousness intently purposefully resolutely sedately simmer down soberly solemnly sternly straighten out thoughtfully with a straight face with forethought with sobriety zealously

Antonyms

WEAK

casually funnily lightly minor trivially

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.

He said: "We will begin the government in earnest as a united team, of energy, talent and experience, ready to serve."

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Approved by Congress and President Jefferson, the project began in earnest in 1806.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Rattlesnake activity began in earnest in March, a month ahead of the start of the peak season, which is typically from April to October.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Traditionally, governors are given a 100-day grace period before their performance is judged in earnest.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

The attack on the church began in earnest in 1517, when a constipated German monk nailed a list of complaints to the door of the church in Wittenberg.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

in earnest

Example Sentences

Related Words