Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of passionate are ardent, fervent, fervid, impassioned, and perfervid. While all these words mean "showing intense feeling," passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion.

a passionate denunciation

When could ardent be used to replace passionate?

While in some cases nearly identical to passionate, ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm.

an ardent supporter of human rights

When is it sensible to use fervent instead of passionate?

Although the words fervent and passionate have much in common, fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal.

fervent good wishes

When is fervid a more appropriate choice than passionate?

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

fervid love letters

When can impassioned be used instead of passionate?

The words impassioned and passionate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression.

an impassioned plea for justice

When might perfervid be a better fit than passionate?

The words perfervid and passionate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 passionate For fans — particularly at a partisan, passionate outpost like Newcastle – the equation is simple; at a minimum, players must give everything for the cause. George Caulkin, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025 Gates has also developed a reputation as a motivator with passionate postgame speeches. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2025 David, Josh, and Dana are passionate about bringing bold, original films to the big screen. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2025 David, Josh [Greenstein], and Dana [Goldberg] are passionate about bringing bold, original films to the big screen. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for passionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passionate
Adjective
  • The dog days of summer brought intense heat to the Volunteer State, including a nearly month-long streak of 90-degree days in July, the fifth longest in Nashville’s history, said the weather service.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 23 Aug. 2025
  • The combination of extremely dry weather, intense heat, parched land and lightning strikes in western Colorado has been the recipe for most of this year’s major blazes.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Toss the okra in olive oil and season with spices before roasting in a hot oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
  • During a hot Thursday in Houston, Legette got the big-play party started against the Texans.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The former couple, who share son Sasha and daughter Kai, revealed that Sasha left home for college in emotional tributes shared on Instagram.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Waldron, a former Everton season ticket holder, has played a key role since the project’s inception and the Roma fixture was an emotional moment for her and the many others who helped getting the Merseyside club to this point.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The more companies move in this direction, the more consumers will be singing the praises of AI -- and feeling not only satisfied, but excited about returning to the brand in the future.
    Tomas Gorny, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Takeaway: What would a party look like in your context — one that potential customers would be excited about?
    Jed Brewer, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Audiences were almost as enthusiastic awarding it 91% which explains why its views surged.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Once on the fringes of finance, cryptocurrency is now being embraced by a growing base of enthusiastic investors — and that’s driven in large part by the White House’s support.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For parents worried about the elementary-school set being corrupted by the lustful goings-on at Love Island, the good news is that nearly all of the show’s kids’ viewership (424 million out of 474 million minutes streamed) was among the 12-and-up crowd.
    Josef Adalian, Vulture, 31 July 2025
  • Who wouldn't want to experience love for the first time against the lustful backdrop of fictional Cousins Beach, an idyllic East Coast town, Walker said.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • The suite’s interiors reflect the nature on the doorstep, with a soothing color palette of earthy browns, soft taupes and warm greens.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Why Portugal is having a moment Portugal’s blend of history, walkable cities, warm hospitality, and affordability is hitting the sweet spot for American travelers.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Toyota’s public image took a beating, alienating some of its most ardent supporters.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Now, Trump’s most ardent supporters—from Wall Street to the studios of Fox News—fill the seats next to him.
    Kyle Khan-Mullins, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Passionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passionate. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.

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