vehemence

noun

ve·​he·​mence ˈvē-ə-mən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being vehement : intensity

Synonyms

• aggressiveness
• assertiveness
• emphasis
• fierceness
• forcefulness
• intenseness
• intensity
• vigorousness
• violence

Examples of vehemence in a Sentence

the vehemence in her voice when she insisted that she never gossiped surprised me

every cause that she pursues is pursued with great vehemence

Recent Examples on the Web

While Tomlin’s not about to start dropping F-bombs on the airwaves, the vehemence of his response to a momentary disruption of concentration should serve as a reminder that sideline reporters perform a largely thankless job. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 20 Sep. 2024

The union voted by a nearly unanimous tally - 96 percent - to strike, indicating a serious failure to understand the vehemence with which the union workers expected a fulfillment of their demands. —Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024

Yet there’s a particular vehemence to the concern about how long runtimes have gotten that suggests this conversation reflects our fears about all the ways the world is changing. —Constance Grady, Vox, 17 May 2024

Many court watchers were surprised at the vehemence of the conservative justices’ defense of Trump’s claim that presidents must be immune from prosecution to carry out their duties. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vemance, vehemens, borrowed from Middle French vehemence, borrowed from Latin vehementia "violent movement, intensity," from vehement-, vehemens "violent, vehement" + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vehemence

noun

ve·​he·​mence ˈvē-ə-mən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being vehement