PASSIONATE Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'passionate' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of passionate are ardent , fervent , fervid , impassioned , and perfervid . While all these words mean "showing intense feeling," passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion. // a passionate denunciation

Q: When could 'ardent' be used to replace 'passionate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to passionate , ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm. // an ardent supporter of human rights

Q: When is it sensible to use 'fervent' instead of 'passionate'?

Although the words fervent and passionate have much in common, fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal. // fervent good wishes

Q: When is 'fervid' a more appropriate choice than 'passionate'?

While the synonyms fervid and passionate are close in meaning, fervid suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion. // fervid love letters

Q: When can 'impassioned' be used instead of 'passionate'?

The words impassioned and passionate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression. // an impassioned plea for justice

Q: When might 'perfervid' be a better fit than 'passionate'?

The words perfervid and passionate can be used in similar contexts, but perfervid implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings. // perfervid expressions of patriotism

passionate

adjective

ˈpa-sh(ə-)nət

Definition of passionate next

as in hot

having a strong sexual desire a passionate couple plunging into a new relationship

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fervent

having or expressing great depth of feeling a passionate defense of the controversial play

Synonyms & Similar Words

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a passionate interest

an enthusiastic interest

a devoted interest

an eager interest

a profound interest

a deep interest

a passionate debate

an intense debate

a heated debate

a vigorous debate

a furious debate

a violent debate

passionate love

heated love

intimate love

sensual love

intense love

romantic love

Synonym Chooser

How is the word passionate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of passionate are ardent, fervent, fervid, impassioned, and perfervid. While all these words mean "showing intense feeling," passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion.

a passionate denunciation

When could ardent be used to replace passionate?

While in some cases nearly identical to passionate, ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm.

an ardent supporter of human rights

When is it sensible to use fervent instead of passionate?

Although the words fervent and passionate have much in common, fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal.

fervent good wishes

When is fervid a more appropriate choice than passionate?

While the synonyms fervid and passionate are close in meaning, fervid suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion.

fervid love letters

When can impassioned be used instead of passionate?

The words impassioned and passionate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression.

an impassioned plea for justice

When might perfervid be a better fit than passionate?

The words perfervid and passionate can be used in similar contexts, but perfervid implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings.

perfervid expressions of patriotism

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 passionate Since digging into the flat-Earth world, Duffy has learned how passionate — and sometimes aggressive — its believers can be. —

Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2025 The lyric’s emotional intensity promises an irresistible invitation to the dance floor, offering a passionate soundtrack for lovers caught in a clandestine affair. —

Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025 The artist who skyrocketed to fame as the drummer for The Beatles in 1960s England drew capacity crowds of music icons and passionate fans alike for the two-night event. —

Marcus K. Dowling, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025 Arthur Simoneau Arthur Simoneau was described by those who knew him as a passionate and fearless hang glider, The Los Angeles Times reported. —

David Chiu, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for passionate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for passionate

Adjective

The vapor chamber cooling system is larger on all three—a crucial component to keep the phones from getting too hot during intense gaming sessions—with the chamber in the S25 Ultra getting a 40 percent size bump.

— Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 22 Jan. 2025
Submerge and soak the racks in hot soapy water before gently scrubbing them with fine-grade steel wool.

— Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2025