sincere

adjective

sin·​cere sin-ˈsir 

sən-

sincerer; sincerest

1

a

: free of dissimulation : honest

a sincere interest

b

: free from adulteration : pure

a sincere doctrine

sincere wine

2

: marked by genuineness : true

sincereness noun

Synonyms

• heartfelt
• unfeigned

Choose the Right Synonym for sincere

sincere, wholehearted, heartfelt, hearty, unfeigned mean genuine in feeling.

sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

a sincere apology

wholehearted suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving.

promised our wholehearted support

heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

expresses our heartfelt gratitude

hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

received a hearty welcome

unfeigned stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense.

her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

Examples of sincere in a Sentence

He sounded sincere in his promises.

She seemed sincere in her commitment to finish school.

She has a sincere interest in painting.

He showed a sincere concern for her health.

He made a sincere attempt to quit smoking.

Please accept our sincere thanks.

Recent Examples on the Web

While the show ran long this year, IndieWire’s review greatly enjoyed this year’s sincere and silly show as hosted by O’Brien in his first (and hopefully not final) stint. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 4 Mar. 2025

So take it one step at a time, and make sure your invitation is simple, clear - and sincere! —Chris Westfall, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

Feeling homesick can be difficult, and a quick and sincere hug from old friends can go a long way. —Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2025

In contrast, Dugin’s fluency with these arguments is as formidable as his loathing for liberalism is sincere. —James Verini, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Latin sincerus whole, pure, genuine, probably from sem- one + -cerus (akin to Latin crescere to grow) — more at same, crescent

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for sincere

• adhere
• ameer
• amir
• appear
• arrear
• astir
• austere
• career
• cashier
• cohere
• compere
• emir

Kids Definition

sincere

adjective

sin·​cere sin-ˈsi(ə)r 

sincerer; sincerest

1

: trustworthy, straightforward

a sincere friend

2

: genuine sense 1, real

a sincere interest in painting

sincerely adverb

sincerity

-ˈser-ət-ē

-ˈsir-

noun