Definitions

in earnest

Part of Speech:

All (2) Adjective (1) Adverb (1)

Jump To:

sobersided adj.
seriously adv.

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.

See Examples For:

in earnest

The new Lutnick-ordered review began in earnest on Monday with the only hearing that people can attend in-person during the 45-day-public comment period.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026

Garden installation began in pieces in 2022 and in earnest in early 2023.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2026

Let’s start with the winners and losers since the vacation rush began in earnest.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

If petrol prices start dropping in earnest, it could be a tangible sign for Americans that things are getting better.

From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026

Soon, I’m fighting in earnest, using every trick I know to survive her onslaught.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir

in earnest

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words