ardor

noun

ar·​dor ˈär-dər 

1

a

: an often restless or transitory warmth of feeling

the sudden ardors of youth

b

: extreme vigor or energy : intensity

the ardor of a true believer

c

: zeal

d

: loyalty

2

: sexual excitement

Synonyms

• enthusiasm
• intensity
• emotion
• intenseness
• warmth
• passionateness

Choose the Right Synonym for ardor

passion, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, zeal mean intense emotion compelling action.

passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

gave in to his passions

fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.

preaches with fanatical zeal

Examples of ardor in a Sentence

the sudden ardors of youth

candidates for citizenship reciting the oath of allegiance to the United States with all the ardor that they could muster

Recent Examples on the Web

In her method of evasion, Bailey soon began to develop an ardor for book collecting. —Olivia Cyrus, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2025

For now at least, that reality isn’t blunting the temporary ardor for counter-attack. —Philip Elliott, Time, 4 Aug. 2025

To Kivel’s credit, these passages on the ardor of creation are some of the only parts of the book that seem based on a writer’s life. —Lora Kelley, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2025

Ultimately her ardor for and abiding faith in literature, especially writing by Black women poets and writers, inspired her to found Well-Read Black Girl, an innovative, impactful, and award-winning nonprofit literary organization. —Donna Seaman june 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ardour, borrowed from Anglo-French ardur, ardour "burning, fever, passion," borrowed from Latin ardōr-, ardor "burning, flash of light, extreme heat, mental excitement, eagerness, passion," from ardēre "to burn, be fiercely hot, be violently excited, be eager" + -ōr-, -or (earlier *-ōs-, *-ōs), abstract noun suffix — more at ardent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for ardor

• carder
• harder
• larder
• retarder

Kids Definition

ardor

noun

ar·​dor ˈärd-ər 

1

: a warmth of feeling

2

: great eagerness : zeal