passionate

adjective

pas·​sion·​ate ˈpa-sh(ə-)nət 

1

a

: capable of, affected by, or expressing intense feeling

a passionate performance

a passionate coach

b

: enthusiastic, ardent

is passionate about basketball

2

: swayed by or affected with sexual desire and often romantic feeling

a passionate love affair

a long, passionate kiss

3

a

: easily aroused to anger

… a passionate but not a vicious boy …

—H. E. Scudder

b

: filled with anger : angry

She was passionate in her defense of her cub, and rage transformed her.

—G. D. Brown

passionateness noun

Synonyms of passionate

• intense
• emotional
• enthusiastic
• warm
• ardent
• glowing
• fervent
• demonstrative
• charged
• impassioned
• fiery
• fervid

Choose the Right Synonym for passionate

impassioned, passionate, ardent, fervent, fervid, perfervid mean showing intense feeling.

impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression.

an impassioned plea for justice

passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion.

a passionate denunciation

ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm.

an ardent supporter of human rights

fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal.

fervent good wishes

fervid suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion.

fervid love letters

perfervid implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings.

perfervid expressions of patriotism

Examples of passionate in a Sentence

He gave a passionate speech on tax reform.

She has a passionate interest in animal rights.

She is passionate about art.

We were moved by his passionate plea for forgiveness.

Recent Examples on the Web

At best, this Fire sign is generous, passionate and unapologetic in its authenticity. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

Fans seem to have a special relationship with people on reality TV — more intense and passionate than with other stars. — Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has built its reputation on serving Southern comfort food and nostalgic favorites — which may explain why some discontinued menu items continue to spark passionate reactions from loyal customers. — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Demián is a tireless advocate for immigrants and Danny is a passionate champion of Latino voices and stories. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for passionate

• compassionate
• dispassionate

Kids Definition

passionate

adjective

pas·​sion·​ate ˈpash-(ə-)nət 

1

: excited or easily excited to strong feeling

2

: showing or expressing strong feeling

3

: strongly affected with sexual desire

passionately adverb