1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun ardor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ardor are enthusiasm, fervor, passion, and zeal. While all these words mean "intense emotion compelling action," ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

Where would enthusiasm be a reasonable alternative to ardor?

While the synonyms enthusiasm and ardor are close in meaning, enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

When is fervor a more appropriate choice than ardor?

The meanings of fervor and ardor largely overlap; however, fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

When is it sensible to use passion instead of ardor?

While in some cases nearly identical to ardor, passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

was a slave to his passions

When might zeal be a better fit than ardor?

The synonyms zeal and ardor are sometimes interchangeable, but zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.

preaches with fanatical zeal

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 ardor The Wu-Tang Nike Dunks have developed a severe ardor in hip-hop culture, leading to a pioneering virality in sneaker culture. Ime Ekpo, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 What’s positive in its passionate abstractions is the sense of three-dimensionality, of musical schemas that have the open airiness of modern architecture, the introspective ardor of thought under construction. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2024 In this novel of ardor and tested fidelity, Jin, a photographer, finds her life at a standstill. The New Yorker, 22 July 2024 His campaign halted political activities in deference to the sensitivity of the moment, even as aides acknowledged that his opponent’s staring down a bullet would only intensify the MAGA movement’s ardor and maybe strengthen Trump’s advantage in the race. Brian Bennett, TIME, 21 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for ardor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ardor
Noun
  • The unexpected uptick in inflation could dampen some of the business enthusiasm that arose after Trump's election on promises to reduce regulation and cut taxes.
    CHRISTOPHER RUGABER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 13 Feb. 2025
  • The enthusiasm was palpable among the rest of the pitchers in camp on Wednesday.
    Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This sort of implicit address to the work’s spectators, and to their unquenchable thirst for more, also crops up in some of the photographer’s graver pictures.
    Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2025
  • After 14 days isolated below, Collins died of thirst, hunger and hypothermia.
    Dave Quinn, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Another great example could be turning a passion for cooking or playing a sport into an online course, teaching others how to master recipes and techniques.
    Alejandra Rojas, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Terry, who has worked in the solar industry for 18 years, traces his passion back to a business trip to China in 2010.
    Alexandra Harbert, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The green, figgy freshness cuts through the intensity of Extradose’s vanilla and rum, creating a fascinating contrast that feels both sophisticated and playful.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The gel-like texture goes on sheer but allows for buildable intensity—with color pairings ranging from a soft pink and caramel to a rich berry and chocolate combo.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s pettiness and lust for vengeance are un-American Like white on rice, Trump is all over you, President Zelenskyy.
    Sabrina Haake, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025
  • This simmering drama set at a cruising beach drips with longing, lust, and the breezy freedom of a warm and sunny day spent by the water watching bodies glisten.
    Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Survivors of Asheville’s Hurricane Helen continue to deal with shock, trauma and a roller coaster of emotions.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Leaders must recognize and validate the emotions of their staff and communities, acknowledging the human cost of a crisis rather than focusing solely on operational recovery.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The record arrives alongside a lyric video that finds the singer lounging around the studio, willing herself to accept the warmth of a relationship without looking over her shoulder for whatever unfortunate truths might derail it.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Highlight moments of perseverance to inspire resilience in your team. Use humor and warmth to make your stories more engaging.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Ardor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardor. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ardor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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