as in sincere
genuine in feeling a number of the retiring teacher's former students have expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable lessons they learned in his classroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word heartfelt distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of heartfelt are hearty, sincere, unfeigned, and wholehearted. While all these words mean "genuine in feeling," heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

expresses our heartfelt gratitude

When could hearty be used to replace heartfelt?

The words hearty and heartfelt can be used in similar contexts, but hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

received a hearty welcome

When is it sensible to use sincere instead of heartfelt?

In some situations, the words sincere and heartfelt are roughly equivalent. However, sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

a sincere apology

In what contexts can unfeigned take the place of heartfelt?

The meanings of unfeigned and heartfelt largely overlap; however, unfeigned stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense.

her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

When is wholehearted a more appropriate choice than heartfelt?

The words wholehearted and heartfelt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wholehearted suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving.

promised our wholehearted support

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of heartfelt Comments beneath the post were sincere and heartfelt, with over 18,000 people sharing their love for the lab and thanking her family for brightening their days. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 26 May 2025 The push-pull of the protagonists’ bond keeps the film humming along, both in ludicrous and heartfelt moments. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 24 May 2025 Cannes was bowled over by Trier’s Sentimental Value, giving it an astounding 15-minute loud, raucous and heartfelt standing ovation. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025 The final three who advanced to the finale were Roberts, Nix, and Foster—each bringing a distinct musical identity: Roberts with a dynamic stage presence, Nix with heartfelt emotional delivery, and Foster with his versatile, genre-spanning performances. Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for heartfelt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartfelt
Adjective
  • Our sincerest condolences go out to Dave’s family, friends, and everyone at STG.
    Thania Garcia, Variety, 22 May 2025
  • But because Sirens keeps toggling between cartoon logic and a more sincere approach, the twist plays as nonsensical.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • That genuine moment became a symbol of love, sacrifice and something deeper — breaking generational cycles.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 30 May 2025
  • Samantha seems to have genuine chemistry with Chivon, but his sister Adeena (Sundra Oakley) is not thrilled about the relationship and confronts Samantha about it.
    Melissa Locker, Time, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • This was a performer whose sense of self-worth, depending on the day, ranged from unfeigned humility to desperate insecurity to full-on self-loathing.
    Bruce Handy, Air Mail, 3 May 2025
  • His life story is inspiring, and his love of country is as unfeigned as his faith.
    Daniel Foster, National Review, 30 Nov. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Heartfelt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartfelt. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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