feeling 1 of 3

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as in passions
feelings plural general emotional condition a remark that thoughtlessly hurt her feelings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in feel
an indefinite physical response to a stimulus that odd feeling of forward movement you get when the parked car next to you backs out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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feeling

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adjective

feeling

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verb

present participle of feel
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as in experiencing
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it with the birth of their first child the couple came to feel true happiness for the first time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word feeling distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of feeling are affection, emotion, passion, and sentiment. While all these words mean "a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation," 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 affection be used instead of feeling?

The words affection and feeling can be used in similar contexts, but affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

How do emotion and feeling relate to one another?

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 could passion be used to replace feeling?

The words passion and feeling are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

When might sentiment be a better fit than feeling?

The meanings of sentiment and feeling largely overlap; however, sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.

her feminist sentiments are well known

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 feeling
Noun
The mere sight of your newborn—through bleary, tired eyes—can muster feelings of wonder and awe. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 9 Apr. 2025 Still, the format quickly takes on the feeling of a joke that’s gone on too long. Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025 There is a feeling that his behavior does not accord with BBC values around fairness and inclusivity. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025 For instance, Millennials are experiencing high rates of burnout, with studies indicating that a significant portion report feeling burned out in their jobs, often citing factors like financial pressures, career uncertainty, and the pressures of modern life. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for feeling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feeling
Noun
  • More than fifty years ago, any semi-sentient being could recognize the dangers of forcing minors to work gruelling hours performing emotions for the delectation of large and unseen audiences, long before their brains had finished developing.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Instead of scanning for signs of danger, try slowing down and tuning into your own body and emotions first.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Your professional passions will soar or fizzle out when Venus retrograde meets the sun.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The obituary highlighted Jan's many passions and pursuits throughout his life.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Their belief in this project means the world to me.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • As algorithms and politics herd us into narrower and narrower silos, the pressure increases on artists (as well as comedians, actors, and even brands) to mirror their fans’ core beliefs.
    Ryan Miller, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Depending on the bike, this can counteract any wonky feel of the ride.
    Chris Cona, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The Todd Snyder x Bon Iver Sweater Hoodie – $398 – crafted from Snyder’s signature Nomad yarn — a recycled Italian cashmere that offers a plush, lofty feel and the perfect weight for year-round wear.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And some had sympathy for what seemed like his intuitive habit, urging the creator and others in the comments to avoid judgement based on his past.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Shares of Advanced Micro Devices and Micron Technology fell 7% and 1%, respectively, in sympathy.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to serving others have left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Sure, the product is important, but kindness—the opposite of rudeness and apathy—is what keeps them coming back.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Though the scene is peaceful and loving, there is a lot of rebellion baked in.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • See treasures The combination of gruesome deaths followed by careful and loving burials also suggests their group was victorious in the conflict, researchers said.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The microwaved grape trick also shows their promise as alternative microwave resonators for quantum sensing applications, according to the authors of this latest paper.
    Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Feline eyes also contain the same color-sensing cones as humans, but this doesn't mean our visions are the same, VCA Animal Hospitals reports.
    Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Feeling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feeling. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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