heartfelt

adjective

ˈhärt-ˌfelt How to pronounce heartfelt (audio)
Definition of heartfeltnext
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 Verdi’s always-heartfelt opera features soprano Jamie Chamberlin and tenor Nathan Granner, real-life partners who will sing the leading roles of the impassioned Violetta and Alfredo. —Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025 Following the cocktail reception, the co-hosts kicked off dinner with heartfelt speeches celebrating the power of female collaboration and the magic that unfolds when women create space for one another. —Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 22 Oct. 2025 What results is a zombie movie that’s horrifying, heartfelt, and hilarious, sometimes all at once — much like queerness itself. —James Factora, Them., 21 Oct. 2025 Shakira has some heartfelt words for her 2020 Super Bowl halftime show supporting act-turned 2026 headliner. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heartfelt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heartfelt
  1. sincere
  2. genuine
  3. unfeigned
Adjective
  • Maybe murder seems like the easier solution to a person who is so fixated on maintaining her new lifestyle and public persona, created on the back of her sincere grief.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Please accept my humble and sincere apology for this tragedy.
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Definition of sincere
Adjective
  • The new currency is content, education and genuine engagement.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Employees should use those channels first and consider a public callout only as a genuine last resort.
    — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
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

Browse Nearby Words

heartens
heartfelt
heart-free
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heartfelt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heartfelt. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of heartfelt for Spanish Speakers

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