sincere
Americanadjective
adjective
-
not hypocritical or deceitful; open; genuine
a sincere person
sincere regret
-
archaic pure; unadulterated; unmixed
-
obsolete sound; whole
Synonym Usage
See earnest 1.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sincere
First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin sincērus “pure, clean, untainted”
Explanation
Being sincere is being genuine. If someone compliments you on your outfit, but you notice them rolling their eyes when they think you’re not looking, they probably weren't being sincere. If you've been offered a sincere thanks for something you've done, the person is probably really grateful. Sometimes when people say "thank you," they don't always mean it, but when they add the adjective sincere, the emphasis is usually for a very good reason. You may hear a charity sending out a sincere thanks to sponsors for their donations, which help keep the charity running.
Vocabulary lists containing sincere
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 2
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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 1
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Last week, Singapore's foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta for what the former described as "honest" and "sincere" conversations that produced "constructive approaches".
From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026
"You may therefore expect him to address them in his speech with unflinching honesty, sincere sorrow, and respect for the wider discussions that will be taking place between relevant governments on this issue."
From Barron's ● Oct. 31, 2026
But she has a very close relationship with him and, even after her supposed heel turn, makes a sincere effort to get him treatment when he begins to struggle emotionally.
From Salon ● Oct. 30, 2026
As Fielder later confides to Seyfried, “Either this is fully sincere and she actually has no clue about the deal Billy made, or she honestly might be the most manipulative person that’s ever lived.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 26, 2026
“Really, genuinely kind. Possibly the most sincere and wonderful boy ever. And Lorren already did the detective work, so I know he’s not a creepy grown-up. He’s thirteen. Like me.”
From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows
“There is no sincerer love than the love of food,” reads the slip of paper.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 21, 2015
Guarantee us peace," begged Mr. Guinness, "and Germany will find she has no sincerer and no more useful friend in the world than Britain!
From Time Magazine Archive
Another Richmond editorial said, “There will in all the earth be no sincerer mourners than the people of the southern section of this Union.”
From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow
She has often told me she never knew a better, sincerer, nobler, or more sensible woman than Barty's wife.
From The Martian by George Du Maurier
But she had a sincerer love for purity of manners than posterity has commonly believed.
From Sir Walter Ralegh A Biography by W. (William) Stebbing
“Skydive Perris offers its sincerest condolences to the individual’s family and politely asks for privacy as we mourn together as a community,” according to the statement.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 2, 2026
Parody, in this case, is the sincerest form of flattery.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 21, 2026
"What happened today in Teotihuacan hurts us deeply. I express my sincerest solidarity to the people affected and their families," Sheinbaum wrote.
From Barron's ● Apr. 20, 2026
In a statement, Unifil said: "We extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of those brave peacekeepers who gave their lives in service of peace."
From BBC ● Mar. 31, 2026
"Your Highness, I hope I have done nothing to offend you, but if I have, my sincerest apologies," Astrid stammers out.
From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
