passion

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2
as in crush
a strong but often short-lived liking for another person her passion passed when she got to know him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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5
6
as in feeling
passions plural general emotional condition people who are swayed by their passions and not by reason

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word passion distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of passion are affection, emotion, feeling, and sentiment. While all these words mean "a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation," passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

When is it sensible to use affection instead of passion?

The synonyms affection and passion are sometimes interchangeable, but affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

How are the words emotion and feeling related as synonyms of passion?

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 would feeling be a good substitute for passion?

The meanings of feeling and passion largely overlap; however, 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 sentiment be used instead of passion?

The words sentiment and passion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 passion Even though college golf is a niche among the niche, and the teams feature approximately seven to 10 players, to those who play, and support it, the game is a passion and a priority. Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2025 Dear Abby: In the four years my husband and I have been married, his distaste for the LGBTQ community has grown into a passion. Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 19 June 2025 From her early days in clinical research, she has been driven by a passion for making a positive impact. Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025 Listening, being present and valuing the team's ideas are fundamental pillars in building an environment where innovation arises from daily commitment and a passion for service. Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for passion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passion
Noun
  • The notes came from every corner of Sofia’s school life, with each teacher offering encouragement, wisdom and love.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 18 June 2025
  • Social media ignited with fans gushing praise, shock and love.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Yet, despite it all, Benét says his parents remained loving and nurturing, even to the point that when Benét had a crush on a white girl in high school, bringing her home for dinner, his parents were warm and accepting.
    Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, crush victims were struggling to breathe and stand up straight.
    Rory Doherty, Time, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Thanks to the valve-free design, kids can guzzle as much as their thirsty heart desires.
    Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 19 June 2025
  • In this case, the design highlights the importance of family, the desire to create a relaxed environment, and an elegance born of simplicity.
    Katia Contreras, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • This represents the triumph of emotion over legal reasoning.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025
  • But a tidal wave of emotions pushed the words buried deep in his chest to the shores of his lips.
    Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • However, their fresh perspective, general enthusiasm and tech fluency can be superpowers that breathe new life into an organization.
    Jill Shedek, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • With enthusiasm building among opponents of the Iranian government, analysts and former officials are treating with caution speculation of an insurrection capable of actually ousting the country's leadership.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • But that season swung local feelings about public money for arenas.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
  • The word bustling comes to mind, a feeling not easily achieved with the constraints of the restaurant’s former layout.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • But anyone who's ever lived in Manhattan has gone through this luxury lust.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 12 June 2025
  • Where does the boundary between lust, obsession, fandom, and devotion lie?
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • The convergence of reason and gallantry, of irony and affection, struck a teasing tone.
    Merve Emre, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • Engaging in this kind of play and affection shows boys that warmth, kindness and love aren’t just feminine qualities –– dads do it, too, Chu said.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 15 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Passion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passion. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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