sincere

American  

[sin-seer] / sɪnˈsɪər /

adjective

sincerer, sincerest

1. free of deceit, hypocrisy, or falseness; earnest.

   a sincere apology.

   Synonyms:

   unaffected, guileless, open, honest, candid, frank

   Antonyms:

   false

2. genuine; real.

   a sincere effort to improve; a sincere friend.

   Antonyms:

   false

3. pure; unmixed; unadulterated.

4. Obsolete. sound; unimpaired.

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sincere British  

/ sɪnˈsɛrɪtɪ, sɪnˈsɪə /

adjective

1. not hypocritical or deceitful; open; genuine

   a sincere person

   sincere regret

2. archaic pure; unadulterated; unmixed

3. obsolete sound; whole

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Related Words

See earnest ¹.

Other Word Forms

• quasi-sincere adjective
• quasi-sincerely adverb
• sincerely adverb
• sincereness noun
• sincerity noun

Etymology

Origin of sincere

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin sincērus “pure, clean, untainted”

Example Sentences

That’s what Auf der Maur’s roommate told her the night she came home after thinking that she had offered a sincere but thoughtful declination to the suggestion that she become the bass player in Hole.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

"You'd have to have a sincere commitment by both sides to make this work," he added.

From Barron's • Mar. 22, 2026

"I want to express my sincere appreciation to those affected - we are committed to supporting each individual with care, guidance and assistance throughout this transition," he added.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Traditionally, Irish culture values goodbyes that are warm, friendly and sincere.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

In a resolution, which cited each of them by name, the council said, “We express our sincere gratitude for the splendid work done in the matter of investigating and bringing to justice the parties charged.”

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Related Words

• candid
• earnest
• for real
• forthright
• genuine
• heartfelt
• outspoken
• real
• serious
• true
• trustworthy