ENTHUSIASM Synonyms: 135 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'enthusiasm' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enthusiasm are ardor , fervor , passion , and zeal . While all these words mean "intense emotion compelling action," enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity. // never showed much enthusiasm for sports

Q: When would 'ardor' be a good substitute for 'enthusiasm'?

While in some cases nearly identical to enthusiasm , ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived. // the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

Q: When might 'fervor' be a better fit than 'enthusiasm'?

The synonyms fervor and enthusiasm are sometimes interchangeable, but fervor implies a warm and steady emotion. // read the poem aloud with great fervor

Q: When could 'passion' be used to replace 'enthusiasm'?

While the synonyms passion and enthusiasm are close in meaning, passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable. // was a slave to his passions

Q: Where would 'zeal' be a reasonable alternative to 'enthusiasm'?

The words zeal and enthusiasm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause. // preaches with fanatical zeal

enthusiasm

noun

in-ˈthü-zē-ˌa-zəm

Definition of enthusiasm next

as in latest

a practice or interest that is very popular for a short time this year's enthusiasm is often next year's laughingstock

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in thirst

urgent desire or interest in my enthusiasm to get going, I forgot to pack any foul-weather clothing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in intensity

depth of feeling spoke about wildlife conservation with evident enthusiasm

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun enthusiasm differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enthusiasm are ardor, fervor, passion, and zeal. While all these words mean "intense emotion compelling action," enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

When would ardor be a good substitute for enthusiasm?

While in some cases nearly identical to enthusiasm, ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

When might fervor be a better fit than enthusiasm?

The synonyms fervor and enthusiasm are sometimes interchangeable, but fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

When could passion be used to replace enthusiasm?

While the synonyms passion and enthusiasm are close in meaning, passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

was a slave to his passions

Where would zeal be a reasonable alternative to enthusiasm?

The words zeal and enthusiasm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.

preaches with fanatical zeal

Examples of enthusiasm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Belarus, Russia’s closest geopolitical ally and a quasi-satellite state, is among the countries that have expressed enthusiasm for gaining full membership as soon as possible. —

Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 Oct. 2024 Jewell’s enthusiasm for prints has not always won her favor. —

Ben Goldfarb, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 The latest poll results also hint at an enthusiasm gap among young voters, which Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are working hard to close. —

Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024 There is the bizarre enthusiasm (to put it mildly) for Argentine President Javier Milei. —

Vasuki Shastry, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enthusiasm

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enthusiasm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.