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Showing results for in earnest. Search instead for aneignest.
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.

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

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

A bright spot for the war-weary investors is corporate earnings, which kick off in earnest next week with reports from major banks including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

J&J’s cardiometabolic business is currently dominated by a Xarelto royalty, which Cowen predicts will erode following the drug’s loss of exclusivity, which began in earnest in 2024.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Development of its massive resources began in earnest in the 1980s.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

The top-drawer business had preyed on his mind till he had determined to be un-gentlemanly in earnest, if everybody accused him of being so.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White