Antonyms for earnest
ˈɜr nɪstearnest

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:4.0 / 1 vote

1. earnest

   One is eager who impatiently desires to accomplish some end; one is earnest with a desire that is less impatient, but more deep, resolute, and constant; one is anxious with a desire that foresees rather the pain of disappointment than the delight of attainment. One is eager for the gratification of any appetite or passion; he is earnest in conviction, purpose, or character. Eager usually refers to some specific and immediate satisfaction, earnest to something permanent and enduring; the patriotic soldier is earnest in his devotion to his country, eager for a decisive battle.

   Antonyms:
   apathetic, calm, careless, cold, cool, dispassionate, frigid, heedless, indifferent, negligent, phlegmatic, purposeless, regardless, stolid, stony, stupid, unconcerned, uninterested, unmindful, unmoved

   Synonyms:
   animated, anxious, ardent, burning, desirous, eager, enthusiastic, fervent, glowing, hot, impatient, impetuous, importunate, intense, intent, keen, longing, vehement, yearning, zealous

   Preposition:
   Eager for (more rarely after) favor, honor, etc.; eager in pursuit.

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. earnest

   Antonyms:
   indifferent, idle, playful, desultory, irresolute, unearnest, sportive, jesting, flippant

   Synonyms:
   eager, serious, intent, determined, strenuous, solemn, grave, warm, fervent, intense, ardent

Princeton's WordNetRate these antonyms:1.0 / 1 vote

1. earnestadjective

   something of value given by one person to another to bind a contract

   Antonyms:
   frivolous, purposeless, insincere

2. earnest, sincere, solemnadjective

   characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

   "both sides were deeply in earnest, even passionate"; "an entirely sincere and cruel tyrant"; "a film with a solemn social message"

   Antonyms:
   frivolous, insincere, purposeless

   Synonyms:
   dear, heartfelt, businesslike, sincere, grave, sedate, sober, devout, solemn

3. dear, devout, earnest, heartfeltadjective

   earnest

   "one's dearest wish"; "devout wishes for their success"; "heartfelt condolences"

   Antonyms:
   insincere, purposeless, frivolous

   Synonyms:
   dear(p), pricy, pricey, devout, heartfelt, high-priced, beloved, businesslike, god-fearing, good, darling, costly, solemn, near, sincere, dear

4. businesslike, earnestadjective

   not distracted by anything unrelated to the goal

   Antonyms:
   insincere, frivolous, purposeless

   Synonyms:
   sincere, businesslike, devout, solemn, heartfelt, dear

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. earnestadjective

   Synonyms:
   unfeigned, ardent, sincere, fervent, impassioned, zealous, intent

2. earnestnoun

   Antonyms:
   jest

   Synonyms:
   sincerity, seriousness, good faith, pledge, handsel, token, foretaste

How to use earnest in a sentence?

1. Charles Dickens:

   I feel an earnest and humble desire, and shall till I die, to increase the stock of harmless cheerfulness.

2. President Obama:

   When the president decides that we'll take on a challenge that Washington has represented fortoo long, the special interests, including millionaires and billionaires who have benefited, start to squeal, said Earnest, the White House press secretary. In this case, one billionaire chose to squeal to a Politico reporter.

3. Confucius, The Confucian Analects:

   I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there.

4. Josh Earnest:

   The president's comments were more in line with what officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity told CNN and other outlets after the ships were deployed Monday : that the U.S. ships were moved closer to Yemen to monitor and dissuade the Iranian convoy. Josh Earnest, though, focused on the need for the U.S. Navy ships to keep the region's waters safe for commerce. READ : Rubio, Kirk : No nuclear deal unless Iran releases reporter The movement of the -- of this particular aircraft carrier would augment the American military presence in the Gulf of Aden and would send a clear signal about our continued insistence about the free flow of commerce and the freedom of movement in the region.

5. Confucius:

   I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there.

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