The phrase "is in earnest" is used to indicate that someone is serious or sincere about something. There are many synonyms that can be used to convey the same meaning, including "is genuine," "is heartfelt," "is sincere," "is honest," "is true," and "is authentic." Other similar phrases include "is committed to," "is dedicated to," and "is devoted to." The use of such synonyms can help to add variety and nuance to one's writing or speech, and can help to more accurately convey the speaker's intended meaning. Ultimately, the phrase or synonym used will depend on the context and the specific emotion or sentiment being conveyed.