sincere
1 antonyms and opposites of sincere, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Genuinely felt or meant; free of pretence or deceit.
Antonyms
How to use sincere
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin sincerus ("clean, genuine, pure"). A popular but false story claims it comes from "without wax" (sine cera), but this is a myth — linguists trace it instead to roots meaning roughly "one whole growth."
Full origin of sincere →Frequently asked questions
What does “sincere” mean?
The word “sincere” means genuinely felt or meant; free of pretence or deceit. In plain terms, genuinely meant, not fake or put on.
How do you pronounce “sincere”?
“Sincere” is pronounced sihn-SEER (/sɪnˈsɪɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sincere” in a sentence?
Here is “sincere” used in a sentence: “Please accept my sincere apologies for the delay.”
What is another word for “sincere”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sincere” include earnest.
What is the opposite of “sincere”?
The opposite of “sincere” — its antonyms — is insincere.
What part of speech is “sincere”?
“Sincere” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sincere” come from?
The word “sincere” comes from Latin. From Latin sincerus ("clean, genuine, pure"). A popular but false story claims it comes from "without wax" (sine cera), but this is a myth — linguists trace it instead to roots meaning roughly "one whole growth.".
Is “sincere” a common word?
“Sincere” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between 'sincere' and 'honest'?
'Sincere' describes the genuineness of feelings or intentions behind what someone says or does, free from pretence or deceit. 'Honest' more broadly describes truthfulness in general, including factual accuracy, and doesn't necessarily involve emotion.
When should you use 'sincere' instead of 'genuine'?
'Sincere' is typically used for feelings, apologies, thanks, and expressions, as in 'sincere condolences' or 'sincere apology.' 'Genuine' has a broader range and can also describe objects, products, or people being authentic rather than fake.
Is 'sincere' formal or informal?
'Sincere' works in both formal and everyday English, but it appears especially often in formal or polite phrasing, such as 'yours sincerely' in letters or 'sincere gratitude' in professional messages.