ENTHUSIASM Synonyms: 135 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

enthusiasm

noun

in-ˈthü-zē-ˌa-zəm

Definition of enthusiasm next

as in latest

a practice or interest that is very popular for a short time this year's enthusiasm is often next year's laughingstock

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in thirst

urgent desire or interest in my enthusiasm to get going, I forgot to pack any foul-weather clothing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in intensity

depth of feeling spoke about wildlife conservation with evident enthusiasm

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The ambience at here is understated and elegant, and the staff's enthusiasm for the menu is genuine and infectious. —

Carissa & Dino Tozzi, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2025 On the Japanese film industry’s growing enthusiasm for international collaborations, Miike said that the local population decline has forced the traditionally more insular society to look outside its own shores. —

Sara Merican, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2025 In a city famous for fan enthusiasm, his approach makes for a suitable pairing. —

Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 8 Feb. 2025 Missoula, Montana, where he was born, bequeathed him a folksy Eagle Scout congeniality, all nasal delivery and gee-whiz enthusiasm. —

Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 4 Feb. 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