hearty 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhär-tē How to pronounce hearty (audio)
Definition of heartynext
1
as in fervent
characterized by unqualified enthusiasm his decision to marry at long last has the whole family's hearty approval

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in healthy
enjoying health and vigor you're looking really hearty after that month in the clear mountain air!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in warm
having or showing kindly feeling and sincere interest the mayor gave the assembled volunteers his hearty thanks for their restoration of the bandstand on the town square

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in strong
not showing weakness or uncertainty gave the reins a hearty tug but the horse wouldn't budge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hearty

2 of 2

noun

as in sailor
one who operates or navigates a seagoing vessel gather round me hearties, and I'll tell you a sea tale that'll shiver your timbers for sure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hearty distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of hearty are heartfelt, sincere, unfeigned, and wholehearted. While all these words mean "genuine in feeling," hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

received a hearty welcome

In what contexts can heartfelt take the place of hearty?

While the synonyms heartfelt and hearty are close in meaning, heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

expresses our heartfelt gratitude

When might sincere be a better fit than hearty?

The words sincere and hearty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

a sincere apology

When would unfeigned be a good substitute for hearty?

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

her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

When could wholehearted be used to replace hearty?

The words wholehearted and hearty can be used in similar contexts, but 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 hearty
Adjective
Made with fresh Roma tomatoes and Italian sausage, this hearty pasta sauce is perfect for spaghetti, ravioli, or even polenta. — Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 2 July 2026 According to interior designer Courtney Blanton, pool houses have really evolved due to modern technology with materials that last longer and are heartier. — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
Uley's is a great choice for a hearty, on-mountain lunch with a higher-end indoor menu and a more casual outdoor menu (both feature great drinks, including an over-the-top s'mores hot cocoa). — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026 And this action can periodically include scalding, raucous and party-hearty language. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hearty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hearty
  1. fervent
  2. healthy
  3. warm
  4. strong
  5. sailor
  6. enthusiastic
  7. well
  8. friendly
Adjective
  • England versus Mexico was an all-time epic played in one of sports’ most fervent atmospheres at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • These 15 mountain towns in California offer contemporary amenities amid the beautiful landscapes that inspired one of nature’s most fervent champions.
    — Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026
Definition of fervent
Adjective
  • Pomegranates also contain vitamin K and folate, which can help support healthy blood clotting and cell growth, respectively.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The indexes are sitting on healthy gains for the year despite a slight pullback in June.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Definition of healthy
Adjective
  • Goodson explains that pomegranates thrive in warm climates and are widely enjoyed around the world.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Mallorca In fall, the crowds in Mallorca dissipate, the sea stays warm, and the impossible restaurant reservation opens up.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of warm
Adjective
  • Beyond California, scientists are raising alarms over the planet’s warming oceans, which — coupled with a strong El Niño — could increase temperatures for land dwellers in the coming weeks.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Weather aside, Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Week, running from July 6 to 9, will feature shows from 30 houses, compared with FW25’s 27-strong line-up.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Definition of strong
Noun
  • The black-and-white snapshots of sailors hoisting lines on deck look similar to the modern scenes still playing out today.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • There may not be quite as many small-time sailors in the harbor this time, owing to the rigidity that has become inevitable since the 9/11 attacks, but plenty of weekend captains will make their way here.
    — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 30 June 2026
Definition of sailor
Adjective
  • China, the world's top crude importer, has not been particularly enthusiastic about purchasing Iranian oil, despite traditionally being the main buyer of the country's energy.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • None of these kids sits at the top of the Australian rankings, but behind them is a team of enthusiastic parents who formed a non-profit – Red Dirt Australian Rodeo – to raise money for the trip.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of enthusiastic
Adjective
  • When complaint becomes habitual, one’s attention might automatically drift toward problems; the neural path is well trod.
    — James Davis, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • When South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena blasted home a penalty that leveled things in the 83rd minute and Mercedes-Benz Stadium erupted at an ear-splitting decibel level, any thoughts of The Wave were well and truly forgotten.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Definition of well
Adjective
  • Prior to the game, both players said Sutter Health Park had lived up to its reputation as a hitter-friendly ballpark.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • Alarmed by an avalanche of high-density development projects prompted by a developer-friendly state law, Miami commissioners have ordered the city attorney to look into challenging the controversial legislation.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Definition of friendly

Browse Nearby Words

heartwarming
hearty
heat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hearty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hearty. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on hearty

Nglish: Translation of hearty for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gambol

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All