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

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 fervor That fervor carried over to the defensive side of the ball as UCF held TCU to 36% shooting, including 1 for 20 on 3-pointers. Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Jan. 2025 Though disliked by some, Trump's personal brand of politics has inspired a loyalty and fervor in his supporters rarely seen in American politics. Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025 Positive Reactions Are in Order Blue Bell first announced the return of Tin Roof on Instagram, prompting hundreds of fans to flood the comment sections with fervor. Sydney Wingfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2025 Taylor Kitsch just added to the fervor of excitement surrounding the reboot of Friday Night Lights, which was first announced to be in development at NBC Universal late last year. Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fervor 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
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
  • Many of the nation’s sheriffs have responded with enthusiasm.
    Eileen Sullivan, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The rice serves as both a foundation and a mediator, bridging the creamy blandness of the pasta salad with the blunt-instrument intensity of the plate lunch’s third and central component, one kind or another of salty, savory meat.
    Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Staying hydrated, modifying your diet, reducing stress, practicing mindfulness, and identifying triggers can help reduce the intensity of hot flashes.
    Sarah Jividen, Health, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Frustration: Taylor Swift and her famous friends displayed every emotion.
    Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Their stories reflect a jumble of emotions that catastrophe inevitably leaves in its wake.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Athie finds warmth in Olivier’s detachment, ably using his deep voice for a stilted delivery that makes this wayward man feel quite at home bonding with a single chair.
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 8 Feb. 2025
  • This week’s warmth has hustled them along toward breaking buds.
    Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Get unlimited access to journalism that fuels your curiosity, passion and ambition.
    Forbes, Forbes, 8 Feb. 2025
  • For years, Ramadan had personally funded an annual $500 scholarship at the school for a student who showed a passion for civil rights and activism.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 7 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near fervor

Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fervor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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