Synonym Chooser

How does the noun fervor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fervor are ardor, enthusiasm, passion, and zeal. While all these words mean "intense emotion compelling action," fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

When could ardor be used to replace fervor?

In some situations, the words ardor and fervor are roughly equivalent. However, ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

When might enthusiasm be a better fit than fervor?

The words enthusiasm and fervor can be used in similar contexts, but enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

When is it sensible to use passion instead of fervor?

The meanings of passion and fervor largely overlap; however, passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

was a slave to his passions

When would zeal be a good substitute for fervor?

While in some cases nearly identical to fervor, 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 fervor In 2017, amid the fervor of Trump’s first term in office and the rise of the #MeToo-era, the Aussie actress made a commitment to work with a female director every 18 months. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 22 Feb. 2025 Immediate Market Reactions On The Crypto Reserve Unsurprisingly, the market responded with fervor. Sandy Carter, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 The actor mastered Charles' verbal and physical mannerisms — and played the piano and lip-synced with a fervor few actors have ever mustered. EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025 The viewer can almost imagine being a photographer who has penetrated this room of intellectual sodality, revolutionary fervor, and overwhelming youth. Philip Tinari, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • Together Employee engagement reflects employees’ involvement and enthusiasm in their work and workplace, and language plays a major role in shaping that experience.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • With such unprecedented headwinds, the party actually did OK after Biden left the race: Kamala Harris boosted party members' enthusiasm and avoided a wipeout.
    Alex Thompson, Axios, 22 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
  • Perhaps this is because the work came so quickly, and with so much intensity.
    David S. Wallace, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This method eliminates reactive emotions, allows for clearer self-expression and encourages both partners to process their thoughts and feelings before responding.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Internal Anger Anger is an unpleasant emotion that is often considered not socially acceptable to express.
    Wendy Wisner, Health, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Gobi and Masterpiece jackets is a balance of warmth and mobility, while the Cloud jacket and Anya puffer provide lightweight options for active lifestyles.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Tropical plants, like peace lilies and bamboo palms, prefer warmth and humidity, while succulents, like aloe vera, thrive in drier environments.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Kicking has turned into his new passion over the last few years.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Our Pause for Purpose curriculum is one example of an intentional step toward making a career change or pivot with passion and purpose.
    Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fervor

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