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

The term Flower Moon is thought to be a reference to the fact that May is when flowers begin to bloom in earnest with spring well and truly in full swing.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Rattlesnake activity began in earnest in March, a month ahead of the start of the peak season, which is typically from April to October.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

IBM is a storied tech giant, but it hasn’t been immune to a selloff that began in earnest at the start of the year.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

“The idea of being afraid of you! Well, you see we used to play Pilgrim’s Progress, and we have been going on with it in earnest, all winter and summer.”

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott