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.

Jefferies analysts project that “the race will accelerate in earnest this year,” if it hasn’t already.

From Barron's • Jun. 29, 2026

Equity-only put-call ratios continue to climb, as put buying has accompanied the selling that began in earnest last Friday.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

It offers eternal love, betrayal, regret and redemption, in earnest if not always logical fashion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

The 2026-27 campaign starts in earnest with the EFL Cup first round - which West Ham will be in - on 8-9 August.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Why, she’d throw herself belly down on her bed with her knees cocked and feet sticking up and her busy hands five inches in front of her eyes, plowing through her hope-chest projects in earnest.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

in earnest

Example Sentences

Related Words