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.

While the war in Iran lately has instilled volatility in the market, the software selloff began in earnest at the end of January.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

The city began life as a nameless Celtic settlement, but Prague’s history starts in earnest in the Middle Ages, when it flourished as the capital of the Slavic duchy-turned-kingdom of Bohemia.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Scotland's attack was largely barren in the Six Nations from 2000 to 2015, when Russell turned up in earnest.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

Construction of the West Area began in earnest in 1939.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

in earnest

Example Sentences

Related Words