Synonym Chooser

How is the word unfeigned distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of unfeigned are heartfelt, hearty, sincere, and wholehearted. While all these words mean "genuine in feeling," unfeigned stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense.

her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

When could heartfelt be used to replace unfeigned?

The words heartfelt and unfeigned are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

expresses our heartfelt gratitude

In what contexts can hearty take the place of unfeigned?

The meanings of hearty and unfeigned largely overlap; however, hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

received a hearty welcome

When is it sensible to use sincere instead of unfeigned?

While in some cases nearly identical to unfeigned, sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

a sincere apology

Where would wholehearted be a reasonable alternative to unfeigned?

While the synonyms wholehearted and unfeigned are close in meaning, 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 unfeigned 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 Its combination of unfeigned earnestness and irreverent, early-Marvel-era wit can’t help but bring to mind that moment — that other world — when Obama was still president and Hamilton was taking its shot on Broadway. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2023 Jones turns her into a kind of holy fool, the only one asking real questions, the only one with an unfeigned sense of curiosity and beauty. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2023 At one point, Blunt grabs hold of a rope and pauses to beam with unfeigned glee. Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2021 Throwback romantics can be ravished by the unparalleled vocal stylings of Lalah Hathaway (Nov. 15, Sony Hall), and millennial audiences will find a patron saint in the unfeigned lyricism of Summer Walker (Dec. 7-8, Terminal 5). Briana Younger, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2019 But some of the kids also befriend Hatidze, who, despite the noise and chaos, responds to her new neighbors with a warmth and an openness that feel entirely unfeigned. San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfeigned
Adjective
  • What matters is whether genuine compatibility exists beneath the obsession.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 5 July 2025
  • Despite the lighthearted framing of the post, many comments conveyed genuine sadness or guilt—often about animals taken on without fully understanding the commitment involved.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • The duo discussed the set and more in a sincere statement shared on social media.
    Pitchfork, Pitchfork, 14 July 2025
  • Veteran MotoGP journalist and former racer Mat Oxley is putting the finishing touches to a biography of Marc Márquez and can also attest to the brothers’ sincere closeness.
    Jonathan Hawkins, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • There are gentler moments, such as the heartfelt duet with his mother (Koko Alexandra) and the documentary team (Philippa Stefani and Matt Gonsalves) hoping to persuade MJ to open up about his health and addiction struggles.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2025
  • What makes Pacific Rim stand out isn’t just the city-leveling action, but del Toro’s deep affection for the genre, evident in the tactile production design, heartfelt performances and respect for character amid the chaos.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • But Lacan comes in with a fresh slate, unaffected by the team’s struggles through the early part of the season.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025
  • The bottom 20% of earners are largely unaffected by either policy, as they already aren’t taxed on Social Security payments and largely have their tax liability wiped out through other deductions before the senior tax deduction would apply.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unfeigned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfeigned. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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