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 the swelling worshiping milieu, the transactional nature of politics is washed away in a hot potion of religious fervor. John Scott Lewinski, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025 An anti-Israel fervor has swept through Hollywood since Hamas invaded Israel 17 months ago, slaughtering more than 1,200 men, women, and children and taking 251 as hostages. Haley Strack, National Review, 13 Mar. 2025 Chastened by the nationalistic fervor that accompanied the victory over Austria, the Diet capitulated. Christine Adams / Made By History, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025 In Palm Beach County, the best of the best still sells quickly—just not with the musical-chairs fervor of two years ago. Spencer Elliott, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • The enthusiasm has spawned an industry that turns offal—a catchall term for an animal’s nonmuscular parts—into pill or powdered form.
    Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
  • With 10 other governors in the room, the bipartisan enthusiasm was clear: States are committed to expanding opportunities that give students real-world learning experiences and clear pathways to economic mobility.
    Sara Schapiro, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Within a few years, the intensity and demands of their big lives and careers brought new pressure — and problems for the couple.
    Liz McNeil, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The Kp index — which provides a rough guide to the intensity of aurora displays — may reach 6, which will see the auroral oval stretch farther south.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
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
  • The warmth between the three leads is believable and although the tendency to have Lane, Bomer and Graham break into choreographed song and dance routines for episodic climaxes quickly feels lazy, a cold open homage to Chicago produced my biggest laugh of the 10-episode season.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025
  • She will be remembered for her imaginative spirit, her pioneering role in supernatural fiction, and her generosity, warmth and heart, both on and off the page.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Which parent, like William, hasn’t wanted to share their passion with their children?
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Zia’s passion for democratic engagement work, initiative to plan countless voter registration drives and educational programming throughout the year, and willingness to lead large projects has significantly contributed to the expansion and visibility of these efforts.
    Olivia Antigua, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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