sincerity
Americannoun
Synonym Usage
See honor.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of sincerity
First recorded in 1540–50; from the Latin word sincēritās; see sincere, -ity
Explanation
Sincerity is a mix of seriousness and honesty. If you do things with sincerity, people will trust you. Along with patience and compassion, sincerity is one of those qualities we all probably wish we had more of — and wish other people had more of, too. People who show sincerity are being serious, kind, and truthful. Politicians who show sincerity tend to do well because people believe them. An apology full of sincerity will probably be accepted. On the other hand, if you show no sincerity — by being sarcastic or dismissive — well, who wants an apology like that?
Vocabulary lists containing sincerity
Beowulf: A New Telling
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John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961
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List 8
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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.
Melton: That kind of sincerity is the default in Kansas and Missouri.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
She said Gwent Police previously denied responsibility when it "directly affected outcomes for victims... which raises questions about the sincerity of that apology".
From BBC • May 23, 2026
The part that makes it work is his wisdom and sincerity.
From Salon • May 21, 2026
When Mr. Lai speaks of faith, you feel as if you’re being invited to partake in a noble mission, not lectured at, and Claire shares his gentle sincerity on the topic.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
“No, of course not,” said Boaz, without a trace of sincerity.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
