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.

Rocket, one of the largest U.S. mortgage originators, entered the listings space in earnest with its purchase of Redfin, a brokerage and listings portal, in 2025.

From Barron's

Awards columnist Glenn Whipp breaks down ‘Marty Supreme’s’ opening box office, and initial audience reaction, as its Oscar campaign kicks off in earnest.

From Los Angeles Times

The fire drill for us lawyers began in earnest that day.

From The Wall Street Journal

For two awkward weeks, Wiener started campaigning in earnest while Pelosi, de facto San Francisco royalty, readied her announcement.

From The Wall Street Journal

The song concludes, in earnest this time, pretty much where it started yet with changed feel and hue.

From The Wall Street Journal

in earnest

Example Sentences

Related Words