verve

noun

ˈvərv 

1

a

: the spirit and enthusiasm animating artistic composition or performance : vivacity

b

: energy, vitality

2

archaic : special ability or talent

Synonyms of verve

• vigor
• energy

Examples of verve in a Sentence

She played with skill and verve.

Recent Examples on the Web

The performances had the energy and verve of a Pentecostal revival, with James playing the role of charismatic preacher. —Daniel Kohn, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026

But the lack of verve Bieber brought to one of music's biggest stages also drew some backlash online — especially amid reports that the artist was paid $10 million to host a YouTube viewing party. —Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 13 Apr. 2026

But that special quality, that verve, that panache Curry so effortlessly provides to elevate the Warriors from hardworking losers to a playoff team nobody wants to play? —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2026

While the monologue was a blast of fresh chaos (or at least the sense of chaos) with Black jamming out with White, the rest of the show didn’t have the same kind of verve, falling back on familiar sketch formulas. —Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, caprice, from Old French, word, gossip, from Vulgar Latin *verva, from Latin verba, plural of verbum word — more at word

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for verve

• curve
• mirv
• nerve
• serve
• swerve
• conserve
• deserve
• manoeuvre
• observe
• preserve
• reserve
• subserve

Kids Definition

verve

noun

ˈvərv 

: lively enthusiasm