HEARTFELT Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

heartfelt

adjective

ˈhärt-ˌfelt

Definition of heartfelt

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

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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 Some of the three-time Grammy-winning artist’s friends shared their heartfelt condolences in the comments section of the post. — Anna Chan, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2026 Her eloquent, heartfelt pitch found an investor in Greiner, who offered a $1 million line of credit at 8 percent interest in exchange for 5 percent ownership. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Oct. 2026 Come for the retelling of the Jane Austen novel Emma, stay for the costumes, the iconic slang and the heartfelt message at its center—and the taboo romance between her and her former stepbrother, played by a young Paul Rudd. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 Oct. 2026 The service Enthusiastic, thoughtful, and caring, the service here is warm and heartfelt. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartfelt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartfelt

Adjective

Where Bikini Kill’s raw, aggressive, discordant tunes subvert gender expectations imposed on women, Uppity’s sincere and introspective jams refute the self-defeating emotional sterility that patriarchy demands from men.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
It is carefully crafted and wincingly sincere, a wonderful conversion of inversions.

— Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of sincere

Adjective

Net-net, this is a genuine improvement for the customers of everything.

— Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
The real question is whether the F 450 RR can deliver enough character and genuine riding pleasure to justify its premium positioning, particularly when the middleweight sportbike segment is getting increasingly crowded.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of genuine

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

Definition of unfeigned

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heartens

heartfelt

heart-free

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“Heartfelt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartfelt. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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