wholehearted

adjective

whole·​heart·​ed ˈhōl-ˈhär-təd How to pronounce wholehearted (audio)
1
: completely and sincerely devoted, determined, or enthusiastic
a wholehearted student of social problems
2
: marked by complete earnest commitment : free from all reserve or hesitation
gave the proposal wholehearted approval
wholeheartedly adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for wholehearted

sincere, wholehearted, heartfelt, hearty, unfeigned mean genuine in feeling.

sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration.

a sincere apology

wholehearted suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving.

promised our wholehearted support

heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed.

expresses our heartfelt gratitude

hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling.

received a hearty welcome

unfeigned stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense.

her unfeigned delight at receiving the award

Examples of wholehearted in a Sentence

The judges gave us their wholehearted approval. wholehearted praise for the novel by the leading critics
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Leif’s wholehearted but clear-eyed devotion to Sigrid becomes our most sensitive barometer for understanding what this mission is doing to her soul. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 Instead, the United States should signal its wholehearted commitment to the integrity of the Kenyan electoral process and the rule of law by supporting a swift judicial review of any allegations of irregularity. Bronwyn Bruton, Foreign Affairs, 3 Mar. 2013 Visitors expecting the grandeur of a luminary have been surprised by the house’s relatively modest size and its wholehearted embrace of the trappings of popular culture. Michael T. Bertrand, The Conversation, 5 June 2024 Hollywood’s wholehearted embrace of Mexico’s Alfonso Cuarón, Alejandro González Iñárritu and Guillermo del Toro has earned them enviable influential standing, five best directing Oscars in the last 10 years alone and a nickname — the Three Amigos. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for wholehearted 

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wholehearted was in 1644

Dictionary Entries Near wholehearted

Cite this Entry

“Wholehearted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wholehearted. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

wholehearted

adjective
whole·​heart·​ed ˈhōl-ˈhärt-əd How to pronounce wholehearted (audio)
: not lacking in enthusiasm, determination, or devotion : hearty
wholehearted effort
wholeheartedly adverb
wholeheartedness noun

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