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
Run by the art world’s favorite chef Mina Stone, the café serves an all-day menu of hearty salads, flavorful soups, Greek mezze and fancy toast. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026 Recipes using affordable cuts of meat, like chuck roast, are timelessly hearty and comforting. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
On the way to save her beloved canine buddy Krypto, the party-hearty but tortured Supergirl teams up with a vengeful youngster (Ruthye Marye Knoll) and a rambunctious intergalactic bounty hunter (Jason Momoa). — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 The song is propelled by Rodgers’s silvery guitar chatter; the lyrics swerve between party-hearty slogans and spiritual woo-woo. — New York Times, 28 Apr. 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
  • Strijd’s posts struck a chord online, and ignited interest in the show that did not appear nearly as fervent over the past few weeks.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The church unleashes a campaign—online and onsite—demanding the family’s religious freedom, and the most fervent outcry and mobilization come from the political far right.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of fervent
Adjective
  • The pope isn’t known to be a smoker and has made efforts to have a healthy lifestyle, but there is a history of cancer in his immediate family.
    — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Because your husband should totally be your mentor, that’s a very healthy power dynamic!
    — Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of healthy
Adjective
  • The song is a dreamy barn-raiser, hoisting this premise on warm guitar tones and a plaintive tone that proves a through-line throughout the record.
    — Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
  • After another warm weekend, with widespread high temperatures in the 80s, California is set for a real cooldown this week.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of warm
Adjective
  • But zest was one of just two strengths (the other is hope) that had the strongest relationship to mental well-being across countries and age groups.
    — Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
  • However, some safety advocates and Senator Maria Cantwell want a stronger federal review process.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of strong
Noun
  • In another favorite photo, a young Black sailor blows smoke into the air.
    — Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Nearly two dozen sailors from many countries were either killed or are missing.
    — the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of sailor
Adjective
  • Support from the faculty was enthusiastic, and Louise worked closely with professors in many departments to ensure the museum’s exhibitions complemented their classes.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • In that raucous public square known as Reddit, anti-Trumpers are planning protests, evidence that Trump should not expect an overwhelmingly enthusiastic welcome in the traditionally red Sunflower State.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of enthusiastic
Adjective
  • Rest assured, all is well with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold’s Super Bowl ring.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Her roommates, in their graying union suits, seemed happy enough with well water.
    — Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of well
Adjective
  • Folks in Europe can get the 900 in an A2-friendly configuration that limits its power output.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Wisely, our Fathers chose a secular people-friendly format not subject to papal or evangelical or ayatollah decree.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of jilt

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
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
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All