sincere

[ sin-seer ]

adjective

, sin·cer·er, sin·cer·est.

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.

sincere

/ sɪnˈsɛrɪtɪ; sɪnˈsɪə /

adjective

1. not hypocritical or deceitful; open; genuine

   sincere regret

   a sincere person

2. archaic.
   pure; unadulterated; unmixed
3. obsolete.
   sound; whole

Derived Forms

• sinˈcerely, adverb
• sincerity, noun

Other Words From

• sin·cerely adverb
• sin·cereness noun
• quasi-sin·cere adjective
• quasi-sin·cerely adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sincere¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sincere¹

C16: from Latin sincērus

Synonym Study

See earnest ¹.

Example Sentences

Even the most sincere companies can’t sustain that forever if Apple doesn’t follow through with what they’ve promised.

From Digiday

It reflects not sincere differences between people who are treating the evidence in the same way.

From Nautilus

These findings are deeply concerning and are in direct opposition to a sincere commitment to empowering athlete expression, particularly those from historically silenced, marginalized, or minoritized groups.

From Washington Post

It is my sincere hope that they can rectify whatever the issues are and resume operations in a manner that protects the health and well-being of its employees and the residents of our community.

From Washington Post

While Buttigieg’s endorsement of bicycling appears to be sincere, and plenty of Americans clearly want to ride, there’s also no shortage of people who remain determined to debunk the idea of the bicycle as a valid form of transportation.

From Outside Online

As played by Omundson, King Richard is effeminate, sincere, and ten times funnier than everyone else.

From The Daily Beast

We would like to extend our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of those on board QZ8501.

From The Daily Beast

And make no mistake; they were backed up by sincere religious beliefs.

From The Daily Beast

The sky is not the limit; beliefs still must be sincere and connected to some for-real source.

From The Daily Beast

This perspective can be perfectly sincere and deeply personally decent.

From The Daily Beast

This was my sincere endeavor, in those many discourses I had with that monarch, although it unfortunately failed of success.

From Project Gutenberg

The look of distress had vanished, and his sincere eyes seemed to shine again with courage and with strength.

From Project Gutenberg

And of that she was equally sure, for how could he do any man or any woman wrong, this sincere and honorable Christian gentleman?

From Project Gutenberg

It was a pretty compliment, and sincere I knew, for no one could meet him without recognising his frank outspoken nature.

From Project Gutenberg

God rejects the hypocritical fasts of the Jews: recommends works of mercy, and sincere godliness.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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