fervor

noun

fer·​vor ˈfər-vər How to pronounce fervor (audio)
1
: intensity of feeling or expression
booing and cheering with almost equal fervorAlan Rich
revolutionary fervor
2
: intense heat
Choose the Right Synonym for fervor

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 fervor in a Sentence

As Nina has grown more observant, Andras has become distanced from her. Her religious fervor doesn't interest him. Coming to tradition late, Nina has all the pedantry of an autodidact. Her strivings seem inauthentic to Andras, and not at all spiritual. Allegra Goodman, Kaaterskill Falls, 1998
Certainly being the son of a pastor had contributed to Vincent's religiosity, but in time even his father was disturbed by the growing intensity of his son's fervor. Michael Kimmelman, New York Times Book Review, 12 Aug. 1990
In her renewed fervor, Norma fears that the past decade has turned women inward, away from one another, and away, too, from the notion that solidarity among women is ultimately a source of personal strength. Anita Shreve, New York Times Magazine, 6 July 1986
Reciting, her voice took on resonance and firmness, it rang with the old fervor, with ferocity even. Eudora Welty, One Writer's Beginnings, 1983
The fervor surrounding her campaign continued right through election day. The novel captures the revolutionary fervor of the period. See More
Recent Examples on the Web But now Poland has spoken with a fervor that surprised not only pundits but also opposition politicians themselves. Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Oct. 2023 Panicked parents scouring Facebook and X for success stories with a fervor not seen since the first vaccines were released. Jenna Portnoy, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2023 Such is the case with Savior Complex, HBO’s new three-part doc that digs into some contentious issues – including colonialism, medical ethics, religious fervor, and the limits of activism – with a flawlessly steady hand. Chris Vognar, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2023 Kanye West’s string of anti-Jewish pronouncements were cited in the report as contributing to growing antisemitic fervor nationally. Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2023 That hasn’t stopped a growing bipartisan fervor to draw Iran into a broader regional conflict by tightening sanctions on its oil supply. Kate Aronoff, The New Republic, 17 Oct. 2023 The second opening in Allen saw similar fervor as Chicago ex-pats and Italian beef enthusiasts made their orders. Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas News, 7 Sep. 2023 Amid the fervor on Capitol Hill, there has been little unprompted mention of Palestinian deaths. Liz Goodwin, Washington Post, 13 Oct. 2023 As in years past when the region has been roiled in conflict, the complex discussion — steeped in historical nuance and an intense fervor — has caught college students’ attention, with many expressing horror at the hundreds of deaths among Israelis and Palestinians since the weekend. Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 12 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fervor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fervour, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French fervur, from Latin fervor, from fervēre — see fervent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fervor was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fervor

Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fervor. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

fervor

noun
fer·​vor ˈfər-vər How to pronounce fervor (audio)
: strength of feeling

More from Merriam-Webster on fervor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!