Definition of ardentnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word ardent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of ardent are fervent, fervid, impassioned, passionate, and perfervid. While all these words mean "showing intense feeling," ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm.

an ardent supporter of human rights

When is fervent a more appropriate choice than ardent?

The words fervent and ardent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal.

fervent good wishes

When is it sensible to use fervid instead of ardent?

While the synonyms fervid and ardent are close in meaning, fervid suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion.

fervid love letters

When can impassioned be used instead of ardent?

While in some cases nearly identical to ardent, impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression.

an impassioned plea for justice

When could passionate be used to replace ardent?

In some situations, the words passionate and ardent are roughly equivalent. However, passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion.

a passionate denunciation

When might perfervid be a better fit than ardent?

The meanings of perfervid and ardent largely overlap; however, perfervid implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings.

perfervid expressions of patriotism

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 ardent There the most ardent devotees can divulge the extent of their obsession without incurring judgment. Alexandra Starr, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026 Shohat asked him several times if Rivera was an ardent opponent of communism in Cuba and socialism in Venezuela. Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026 Talarico has been an ardent supporter of expanding legal gambling during his tenure in the Texas legislature. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 19 Mar. 2026 Remedios gave an ardent performance during episode 2 of season 29 of The Voice this month. Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ardent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ardent
Adjective
  • Malinin, at the post-skate press conference following his world title victory, made his thoughts known in a passionate plea to the ISU (International Skating Union).
    Tyler Erzberger, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Fans are going to be passionate.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Kari Morgan, a Ramona resident and avid hiker, came to the opening ceremony.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Julia is also an amateur powerlifter, avid outdoor explorer, and proud cat mom to Jeeves, her long-haired tuxedo kitty.
    Julia Sullivan, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • More humane methods of killing lobsters pre-boiling include a sharp knife through the head, electrical stunning, or freezing.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 29 Dec. 2025
  • Agrawal and her team studied ionic liquids — salts that are liquid at sub-boiling temperatures (below 212 degrees Fahrenheit, or 100 degrees Celsius) — as a potential hospitable environment for life.
    Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Jefferson’s fervent hope is the Cyclones can go at least one more step and give him another opportunity to suit up this season.
    Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
  • For now, Lee’s popularity among both Oakland residents and the council has meant that even the most fervent supporters of sweeps aren’t criticizing her plan — at least not publicly.
    Kate Talerico, San Francisco Chronicle, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Organizers said sign-ups have been especially enthusiastic in suburban areas with high-profile congressional races like Scottsdale, Arizona; Langhorne, Pennsylvania; East Cobb, Georgia; and here in northern New Jersey’s 11th district, which holds a special election April 7.
    Steve Peoples, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
  • So enthusiastic that they were invited back to perform at the 2025 MusicCares, which honored the Grateful Dead.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But as Lumpkin sat at the defense table, the victim’s family delivered searing statements that undercut her long-standing claims of abuse, portraying her instead as a calculating, coldblooded killer.
    Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
  • There are no national – or local – media outlets setting up for live broadcasts on this searing hot afternoon.
    Celina Tebor, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • At Fox, Collier became known for his passional embrace of blockchain, NFTs and the whole Web3 space.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 10 Nov. 2022
Adjective
  • White is excited about his future, and plans to perform at this year's Minnesota State Fair.
    Tony Peterson, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • But the nail in the coffin for her family was the bike course, which her niece was most excited for.
    Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ardent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardent. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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