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.

He said: "We will begin the government in earnest as a united team, of energy, talent and experience, ready to serve."

From BBC • May 13, 2026

The response has been a far cry from the blue “HANDS OFF OUR YARDS!” signs that multiplied across Los Angeles foothill neighborhoods last year as the board began developing the rules in earnest.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

Janice Charette said she doesn’t expect an agreement among the parties before July 1, when a formal U.S.-led review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade treaty, or USMCA, is set to begin in earnest.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

“Whoa,” Scoob says as it catches in earnest.

From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone

in earnest

Example Sentences

Related Words