Synonym Chooser

How does the noun fervor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fervor are ardor, enthusiasm, passion, and zeal. While all these words mean "intense emotion compelling action," fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

When could ardor be used to replace fervor?

In some situations, the words ardor and fervor are roughly equivalent. However, ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

When might enthusiasm be a better fit than fervor?

The words enthusiasm and fervor can be used in similar contexts, but enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

When is it sensible to use passion instead of fervor?

The meanings of passion and fervor largely overlap; however, passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

was a slave to his passions

When would zeal be a good substitute for fervor?

While in some cases nearly identical to fervor, 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 fervor His fervor to determine who took the weapon reveals a shockingly monstrous side, turning his wife and children into frightened suspects and leading to a jarring tonal-shift ending that proves to be a cathartic, believable final destination for a film simmering with mistrust and anger. Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024 From Fiji in the South Pacific to Bora Bora in French Polynesia to more unusual locales like Doha and Swedish Lapland, the popularity of these water villas has grown with such fervor that virtually every luxury hotel brand who is not yet in the game is in the midst of planning their entrance. Katie Kiefner, Vogue, 1 Jan. 2025 To further drive the fervor, Jeep released a TV ad over the holiday week that is drawing even more attention. Scotty Reiss, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 There’s its mythical leader as represented in creepy murals; the Egan family, whose members speak with religious fervor about capitalist enterprise; and Mark’s boss Mr. Milchick, played by series breakout Tramell Tillman, whose dance moves from a sinisterly awkward office party went viral. Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fervor 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • On the other hand, high-energy dogs, such as the playful companion in the viral video, often fail to recognize when their enthusiasm is not reciprocated.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Employees don’t necessarily reduce their work output, but their enthusiasm fades, their curiosity dwindles, and their emotional connection to their work diminishes.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Whether the reservoir would have had a meaningful effect on fighting a blaze of such intensity remains unclear.
    Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
  • What is the appropriate level of intensity for the conversation at hand? 3.
    Hylke Faber, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Alas, without existing in the room, the artist managed to provoke emotion and spur a conversation about aesthetics.
    Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Although Steve rarely shows emotion, Cashman calls him after games, fields his questions about Sam Darnold’s play and Flores’ game plan, and feels how much his father is enjoying this.
    Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Once Venus enters Pisces on Jan. 2, your fourth house of home, family and emotional foundations becomes activated, bringing a wave of emotional warmth, harmony and bliss to your humble abode.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025
  • But all the time our warmth and brilliance are right here.
    Ellen Choi, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Rickard’s many references are informed by his lifelong passion for movies and television, production design, his Midwestern upbringing, and his earlier career as an unscripted TV producer.
    Jessica Ritz, Architectural Digest, 2 Jan. 2025
  • While many already know the results of the World Cup, Once In a Lifetime: Argentina goes beyond the surface to showcase the unmatched passion and connection between football and the people of Argentina.
    Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near fervor

Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fervor

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