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

Examples 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 Harris’ subsequent loss to Donald Trump added a now-or-never — or at least now-or-not for another four years — fervor to their effort. Amanda Becker, Them, 17 Jan. 2025 Just as radio and television were used to stir up the fervor of McCarthyism, they were also used to undermine it. Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 10 Jan. 2025 Both teens separately described similar environments of pro-Palestinian fervor that left them feeling ostracized, particularly when older students with no cultural ties to the Palestinians began to don keffiyehs and accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Beth Bailey, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025 That’s despite summer record-setters such as Disney’s Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2 and holiday hits such as Wicked, Moana 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Way more sequels are set for 2025, driving business, if not heartfelt fervor. David Bloom, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fervor 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • In his defense, the Anti-Defamation League tweeted from X that Musk’s gesture seemed to be an awkward expression of enthusiasm.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Investors responded with enthusiasm, sending Burberry shares up nearly 15 percent to 12.31 pounds in morning trading following the update.
    Samantha Conti, WWD, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • With adjustable massage nodes, three levels of intensity and the option to concentrate on one area, the convenient massage chair is customizable to your needs.
    Anna Haines, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Known for its intensity, moldavite can also help those born under this Air sign tap into their intuitive gifts and break free from stagnant energies.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The horses typically appear when the brewing giant wants to pull on emotions, feelings of pride, and, occasionally, the funny bone.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025
  • In animals, sentience is the capacity to experience sensations and emotions such as pain, pleasure and fear.
    Conor Purcell, Scientific American, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Take a leaf out of the '90s decorating stylebook by embracing layered lighting—think floor lamps, wall sconces, and table lamps—to create warmth, depth, and intimacy.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Jan. 2025
  • This one comes in eight colors, is wind- and rain-resistant, and has a detachable faux fur collar around the hood for added warmth and style.
    Lauren Fischer, People.com, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The brain of a neurodivergent person is wired for passions and novelty, which trigger the motivation to start and stay engaged with that interesting task, Nordmeyer said.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025
  • This year’s slate includes passion projects from a myriad of top Hollywood talent who decamped to Park City, Utah, for screenings, panels, and parties.
    David Graver, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near fervor

Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fervor

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