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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 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 enthusiasm Annie did it all by capitalizing on her infectious enthusiasm – and her refusal to take no for an answer. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024 Harris faces a similar challenge, as her modest lead relies heavily on anti-Trump sentiment rather than strong enthusiasm for her. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 The rich discussion and boundless enthusiasm for movies that filled the room made one thing clear: the road ahead might be uncertain, but the film industry contains more than enough human passion to light the way. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024 By contrast, Gateway also installs ABS brakes and traction-control programming to prevent enthusiasm from turning into regret. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enthusiasm 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enthusiasm
Noun
  • The latests deaths included three residents of long-term care facilities in Dallas, as well as a Balch Springs man in his 20s and a Dallas man in his 60s.
    Dana Branham, Dallas News, 30 Apr. 2020
  • That equates to more than 45 million Americans using CBD products, based on latest available U.S. Census estimates.
    Brendan Bures, chicagotribune.com, 2 Oct. 2019
Noun
  • Or maybe your thirst for wine knowledge rivals your thirst for wine.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024
  • For all my thirst for ghost stories as a kid, the ghost-hunting fad that came later never really captured my imagination in the same way.
    Elizabeth Friend, Longreads, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • The bright orange-and-red water spouts off the cliff with the visual intensity of a raging forest fire.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • High intensity activities mean fit and brightness are super important.
    Ashley Thess, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • By 1962, the monster craze of the '50s had blossomed.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
  • And that's not incorrect — the J-horror craze of the late-'90s and early-2000s, spearheaded by Hideo Nakata's instant classic Ringu (1998), did produce some of the most memorable horror films in Japanese movie history.
    Katie Rife, EW.com, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • This focus on employee experience is particularly resonant in Autodesk’s Silicon Valley headquarters, where the excitement around AI has fueled a rapid but disciplined deployment of these capabilities.
    Peter High, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Bath & Body Works holiday gifts give your recipient permission to draw a hot bath with soothing body products, read a book by candlelight, and tend to personal grooming before the excitement begins.
    Christina Shepherd McGuire, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The cerebral cortex is the brain’s outermost layer and is involved in many of the higher functions of the human brain including memory, learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and emotions..
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Election seasons often evoke a mix of emotions, ranging from hope for the future to intense worry over what may come.
    Luciana Paulise, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • That bucks the usual trends, which typically show ridership falling off in August.
    Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Officials had initially responded positively to the trend and had tried to seize on it to boost tourism.
    Peter Guo, NBC News, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Special Spirits In every casino, almost anything goes (within reason) to whet the appetites of major players, from craps table pizza deliveries to the presentation $55,000+ bottle of 2016 Screaming Eagle at dinner.
    Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
  • But advocates remain nervous given the GOP’s appetite for other anti-LGBTQ+ policies, such as bills blocking gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
    Kate Sosin, Them, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near enthusiasm

Cite this Entry

“Enthusiasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enthusiasm. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on enthusiasm

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