passion

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as in crush
a strong but often short-lived liking for another person her passion passed when she got to know him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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6
as in feeling
passions plural general emotional condition people who are swayed by their passions and not by reason

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word passion distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of passion are affection, emotion, feeling, and sentiment. While all these words mean "a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation," passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

When is it sensible to use affection instead of passion?

The synonyms affection and passion are sometimes interchangeable, but affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

How are the words emotion and feeling related as synonyms of passion?

Emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling, encompasses both positive and negative responses.

the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence

When would feeling be a good substitute for passion?

The meanings of feeling and passion largely overlap; however, feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it.

the feelings that once moved me are gone

When can sentiment be used instead of passion?

The words sentiment and passion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.

her feminist sentiments are well known

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 passion Our store first opened in November 2021 and came out of my passion for children's literature for all ages, including teens. American Booksellers Association, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024 Mars moves into Leo that same day, activating your fifth house of creativity, passion and self-expression. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024 The idea of the task force came from Melissa Powers, who said cold cases have been a passion of hers since taking office. Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 30 Oct. 2024 Their counsel, dedication, and passion have shaped our company and contributed to our success. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for passion 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passion
Noun
  • Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The film embraces heroism in the face of an oppressive regime, the strength of fraternal ties and the themes of love, betrayal, morality and hope.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Unless Josh finally works up the courage to take his crush on Bananas to the next level.
    Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Fortunately for Forever Young, he’s proven himself in arguably the only major stakes race in the world with a worse crush than this one, running a sturdy third in the Kentucky Derby, pictured above.
    Guy Martin, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • History shows us what can happen when the desire for political control meets the vulnerability of immigrant communities.
    Josh Becker, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • This innate desire for connection, however, combined with people’s reliance on technology, can lead to feelings of FOMO– fear of missing out – and anxiety during a digital detox.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 7 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
  • After a standoff between Indian and Chinese troops on the border in 2017, New Delhi moved to revive the Quad despite not showing much enthusiasm when the partnership was founded in 2007.
    Harsh V. Pant, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Despite meeting more than 10 external leaders, the CEO ultimately promoted their operations director due to a long-standing, trusting relationship and the internal candidate’s sincere enthusiasm for the role.
    Gina Riley, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Don’t limit yourself for the sake of someone else’s feelings; do what’s best for you.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Perhaps that can be found in a moment that’s less about feeling and more about action.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Love, lust, and vulnerability have become signature themes for Hunxho, who hails from North Carolina but was raised in East Atlanta.
    Yoh Phillips, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Like Water for Chocolate is a melodrama in the best possible sense of the word—a larger-than-life historical epic of love and lust, birth and death, duty and destiny.
    Judy Berman, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • In this instance, familiarity does not breed contempt but fosters an affection that deepens with every passing year.
    Nick Foulkes, theweek, 7 Nov. 2024
  • This cycle of kindness creates a foundation of gratitude and affection that helps your bond remain strong and resilient over time.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near passion

Cite this Entry

“Passion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passion. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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