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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

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 enthusiasm Re-signing two of their own free agents, defensive tackle Kevin Givens and running back Patrick Taylor Jr., to one-year deals didn’t move the enthusiasm needle much, either. Matt Barrows, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025 The stock market’s vote of no confidence over the past two weeks puts the president in a bind between his enthusiasm for taxing imports and his brand as a politician who understands business based on his own experiences in real estate, media and marketing. Josh Boak, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025 The stock market’s vote of no confidence over the past two weeks puts the President in a bind between his enthusiasm for taxing imports and his brand as a politician who understands business based on his own experiences in real estate, media and marketing. Josh Boak, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025 But the weather barely dampened the enthusiasm of the Norwegian crowd. Nat Herz, NPR, 10 Mar. 2025 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
  • The track finds Rocky taking a lyrical jab at former affiliates of his crew, attributing their conduct to their own thirst for success and fame.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Wayne took out an ad of his own, distancing himself as much as possible from Wills' thirst.
    Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Researchers evaluated the effects of treatments on pain intensity according to scales that provided a standardized way of measuring severity based on patient descriptions.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Though the treaty dramatically diminished the intensity of the fighting, health officials in Gaza said Israeli forces had killed at least 160 people during the two-month truce.
    Matt Bradley, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Many will remember the sourdough bread-baking craze that emerged at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when people were stuck at home and looking for something creative to do.
    Michael Allen, JSTOR Daily, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Air fryers hit the market around 2010, but rose to fame during the home cooking craze of the pandemic lockdown.
    Meg St-Esprit, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • As the day came to a close, the excitement didn’t stop.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Seven months later, the excitement of the Kursk incursion has evaporated.
    Tamar Jacoby, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Instead of resisting their feelings of self-doubt, professionals who lean into these emotions may develop stronger interpersonal skills, outperforming their non-imposter peers in collaboration and teamwork.
    Tanya Arturi, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Does the watering coincide with extreme emotions or stress?
    Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • As travelers begin to plan their trips for the summer, a new report is revealing the latest travel trends, spotlighting the opportunity for a family affair.
    Ashley J. DiMella Fox News, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
  • But as diffusers and candles have grown in popularity, the trend has started to come home.
    Susan Campos, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In their effort to mimic real meat, these companies have left consumers perplexed and without appetite.
    Clara Ludmir, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • At the same time, the same White House’s chaotic trade policy is undermining financial markets’ appetite for risk, leaving bitcoin in limbo, more than 20% off from its record high in January.
    Allison Morrow, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enthusiasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enthusiasm. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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