wholehearted

adjective

whole·​heart·​ed ˈhōl-ˈhär-təd 

1

: completely and sincerely devoted, determined, or enthusiastic

a wholehearted student of social problems

2

: marked by complete earnest commitment : free from all reserve or hesitation

gave the proposal wholehearted approval

wholeheartedly adverb

Synonyms

• hearty
• whole-souled

Choose the Right Synonym for wholehearted

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 wholehearted in a Sentence

The judges gave us their wholehearted approval.

wholehearted praise for the novel by the leading critics

Recent Examples on the Web

Leif’s wholehearted but clear-eyed devotion to Sigrid becomes our most sensitive barometer for understanding what this mission is doing to her soul. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Instead, the United States should signal its wholehearted commitment to the integrity of the Kenyan electoral process and the rule of law by supporting a swift judicial review of any allegations of irregularity. —Bronwyn Bruton, Foreign Affairs, 3 Mar. 2013

Visitors expecting the grandeur of a luminary have been surprised by the house’s relatively modest size and its wholehearted embrace of the trappings of popular culture. —Michael T. Bertrand, The Conversation, 5 June 2024

Hollywood’s wholehearted embrace of Mexico’s Alfonso Cuarón, Alejandro González Iñárritu and Guillermo del Toro has earned them enviable influential standing, five best directing Oscars in the last 10 years alone and a nickname — the Three Amigos. —Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

wholehearted

adjective

whole·​heart·​ed ˈhōl-ˈhärt-əd 

: not lacking in enthusiasm, determination, or devotion : hearty

wholehearted effort

wholeheartedly adverb

wholeheartedness noun