earnest
10 synonyms and 5 antonyms for earnest, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Serious and sincere in intention or feeling.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use earnest
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
earnest effort
in earnest
earnest money
Etymology
From Old English eornest, meaning "zeal, seriousness, or even battle", related to Germanic words for vigour and diligence.
Full origin of earnest →Frequently asked questions
What does “earnest” mean?
The word “earnest” means serious and sincere in intention or feeling. In plain terms, sincere and serious about something — or, as a noun, a deposit paid to show serious intent.
How do you pronounce “earnest”?
“Earnest” is pronounced UR-nihst (/ˈɝ.nɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “earnest” in a sentence?
Here is “earnest” used in a sentence: “He made an earnest attempt to apologise for his mistake.”
What part of speech is “earnest”?
Depending on how it is used, “earnest” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “earnest” come from?
The word “earnest” comes from Old English. From Old English eornest, meaning "zeal, seriousness, or even battle", related to Germanic words for vigour and diligence.
Is “earnest” a common word?
“Earnest” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “earnest” have?
“Earnest” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: serious and sincere in intention or feeling.
What's the difference between earnest and sincere?
Earnest and sincere both describe genuine feeling, but earnest emphasizes seriousness and intensity of purpose, while sincere focuses on honesty and the absence of pretense. Someone can be sincere without being earnest if their manner is relaxed rather than intensely serious.
What is an "earnest" in a business or legal context?
In this sense, an earnest, or earnest money, is a sum paid in advance as a pledge that a larger deal, such as a property purchase, will go ahead. It signals genuine commitment and is usually credited toward the final price if the deal completes.
