élan vital

noun

Definition of élan vitalnext
as in world soul

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of élan vital And a mention that Victor was a big believer in the philosophical concept of elan vital, the idea that all organic material holds an intangible force willing it into being. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for élan vital
  1. lifeblood
  2. Shakti
  3. life
Noun
  • Seeing the two of them joke around gives me hope for peace on earth, and ultimately this sisterhood — though it’s often buried deep under endless drama and bickering — is the lifeblood of the show.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
  • What is needed in this production is more risk and unpredictability, the lifeblood of the theater.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of lifeblood
Noun
  • The Sweetest Kill is produced by Atomic Features, in association with Shakti Sol Productions.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 9 Mar. 2026
  • David Gallego handled cinematography, Shakti Bhagchandani the editing, and the production design is courtesy of Jamie Morgan Lapsley.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
Definition of Shakti
Noun
  • Believing her daughter’s life was on the line, Del Mastro followed the caller’s instructions for five hours.
    — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Three of those defendants, in agreements, pleaded guilty to capital murder and were sentenced to life without parole.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of life

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Cite this Entry

“élan vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/%C3%A9lan%20vital. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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