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 combat scenes, frequently pitting Latif’s sharpened steel against more popular American weaponry, are staged with whirling verve, wit and, best of all, balletic coherence. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026

These retain a striking amount of verve and complexity, and taste fresh enough to use raw. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026

In terms of driving verve, the Accord certainly has the edge over the Corolla and is a better family vehicle because of its superior cabin and cargo space. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Neighboring Eastern Caribbean music styles—Bouyon from Dominica, Jab Jab tunes from Grenada—are staples in Antigua, adding to the frenetic verve on the road. — Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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