ardor

noun ar·dor \ ˈär-dər \

|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: ardor in a Sentence

Definition of ardor

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

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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 of ardor from the Web

This enduring ardor goes double for one of Hatfield’s greatest influences, Olivia Newton-John.

— michael andor brodeur, BostonGlobe.com, "The Weekender: Kennedys, Wallendas, and Nervous Eaters," 5 Apr. 2018
Easily clearing that bar, Ms. Falco gives Carol a gentle kindness and the emotional intelligence to transform Chris’s ardor into a catalyst.

— jeannette catsoulis, New York Times, "Review: On Parole and in Love in ‘Outside In’," 29 Mar. 2018
And what takes Cold War from chilly but beautiful to swirling, beating ardor is its use of music.

— alissa wilkinson, Vox, "Cold War, a decade-spanning Polish romance, will break your heart," 15 May 2018
But this duo’s ardor burns clean and cool, like a Sobranie, and Kulig is the flint.

— stephanie zacharek, Time, "Cannes Review: Cold War Is a Terrific Romantic Drama That Burns Clean," 11 May 2018
Morality matters, if defined less as self-righteous ardor and more as self-awareness of a leader’s effect on those around him and an appreciation of paradox.

— victor davis hanson, New York Times, "When to Wage War, and How to Win: A Guide," 20 Apr. 2018
Morrison’s spell in Boston was marked by equal parts dread and ardor.

— james sullivan, San Francisco Chronicle, "‘Astral Weeks: A Secret History of 1968,’ by Ryan H. Walsh," 30 Apr. 2018
Despite the sobering news, the celebration went on as planned and the Purple Fam, as Prince loyalists are known, responded with the ardor of the devoted.

— jim fusilli, WSJ, "Searching for the Man Behind the Purple Veil," 24 Apr. 2018
To continue reading this story, TRY IT NOW For his part, O’Rourke doesn’t share Cruz’s ardor for corporate tax cuts and a coast-to-coast border wall.

— gilbert garcia, San Antonio Express-News, "New poll helps both O’Rourke and Cruz," 19 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ardor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ardor

Middle English ardour, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin ardor burning, heat, ardor, from aridus dry — more at arid

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

ardor Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of ardor

passion, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, zeal mean intense emotion compelling action. passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.