Antonyms for earnests

Grammar : Noun

Spell : ur-nist

Phonetic Transcription : ˈɜr nɪst

Definition of earnests

Origin : from Old English eornoste (adj.) "zealous," or from Old English noun eornost "seriousness, serious intent" (surviving only in the phrase in earnest), from Proto-Germanic *ern "vigor, briskness" (cf. Old Saxon ernust, Old High German arnust "seriousness, firmness, struggle," German Ernst "seriousness;" Gothic arniba "safely, securely;" Old Norse ern "able, vigorous," jarna "fight, combat"). The proper name Ernest (literally "resolute") is from the same root. Related: Earnestly; earnestness.

As in indication : noun evidence, clue
As in installment : noun part, section
As in pawn : noun security for a loan
As in pledge : noun sign of good faith
As in promise : noun one's word that something will be done
As in security : noun safety, protection
As in seriousness : noun humorlessness
As in testament : noun tribute; last wishes
As in token : noun indication, remembrance
As in warrant : noun authorization
As in down payment : noun part payment when buying
As in solemn word : noun promise
As in guarantee : noun pledge, promise
As in hostage : noun person held captive until captor's demand is met

Example sentences :

The good times have come; and yet they are only earnests of better days still that are on their way.
Extract from : « Grace Darling » by Eva Hope

God gives you these partial triumphs, that they may be earnests of the future.
Extract from : « Gleanings Among The Sheaves » by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Since many of Collier's "earnests" turn out to be "jests," why not the other way round?
Extract from : « Francis Beaumont: Dramatist » by Charles Mills Gayley

Its stray sunbeams grew clear and golden, now that they were understood to be only earnests of the golden day above.
Extract from : « The Ravens and the Angels » by Elizabeth Rundle Charles

And faith further breeds hope because it kindles joy and peace, which are the foretastes and earnests of the future blessedness.
Extract from : « Expositions of Holy Scripture » by Alexander Maclaren

Synonyms for earnests

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019