Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of perfervid are ardent, fervent, fervid, impassioned, and passionate. While all these words mean "showing intense feeling," perfervid implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings.

perfervid expressions of patriotism

When might ardent be a better fit than perfervid?

The words ardent and perfervid can be used in similar contexts, but ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm.

an ardent supporter of human rights

In what contexts can fervent take the place of perfervid?

While in some cases nearly identical to perfervid, fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal.

fervent good wishes

When can fervid be used instead of perfervid?

The words fervid and perfervid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fervid suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion.

fervid love letters

When would impassioned be a good substitute for perfervid?

The synonyms impassioned and perfervid are sometimes interchangeable, but impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression.

an impassioned plea for justice

When is it sensible to use passionate instead of perfervid?

While the synonyms passionate and perfervid are close in meaning, passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion.

a passionate denunciation

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 perfervid The scant paintings on view reverse an emphasis on figurative imagery in the 2019 Biennial, tilting toward a lately prevalent revival of abstraction in perfervid styles that have yet to demonstrate staying power. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2022 This latest controversy won’t dent Thomas’s formidable reputation as a jurist, but it’s another mark against his perfervid critics who have no decency. Rich Lowry, National Review, 1 Apr. 2022 So why, with all this perfervid material at her disposal, did the director, Haifaa Al-Mansour, and her co-screenwriter, Emma Jensen, opt for such cautiousness? Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 May 2018 Down south near San Diego, gray-faced children toil in a slave-labor camp that Dickens could not have imagined in his most perfervid dreams. Joe Morgenstern, WSJ, 4 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfervid
Adjective
  • The greatest scientists of any age have always been those most passionate about their field — most drawn to the transcendence reflected in their studies — those whose lives were as great as their work.
    Linda McMahon, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • Women’s sports are stealing the show like never before – record breaking viewership, game changing coverage and a wave of passionate fans fueling the momentum.
    Essence, Essence, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Pearl, who is Jewish, has expressed his fervent support for Israel in the face of rising antisemitism in the U.S. since the Oct. 7 terror attacks in Israel.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
  • No matter the fervent focus on Asian cuisine, Aramara is in Mexico after all, so the interplay with local ingredients and flavors does not completely fall to the wayside.
    Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Lots of natural light and warm, muted color palettes make your spaces feel comforting and inviting, just like our favorite housekeeper.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
  • Although, the ear pads can get sweaty in warm weather and aren’t user-replaceable.
    Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • There were several safety cars during the race, along with changing conditions with periods of intense rain followed by a drying track.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • Anybody who thought Messi would rest after the intense international tournament does not know Messi.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Faces and words may fade, but their emotional residue frequently lingers.
    Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
  • The show's second season saw some of Ford's most emotional work, as the therapist is forced to face his mortality due to his worsening condition.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Some of the president's most ardent supporters were in uproar.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • The audience is on board before the show even starts This show attracts ardent followers.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The fans who showed up at the Intuit Dome were enthusiastic enough, especially when the in-game host fired them up, but the matchups between geographic neighbors Palm Beach and Miami, and L.A. and San Diego, don’t exactly scream rivalry.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • Peggy meets a handsome doctor from Newport whose family is less than enthusiastic about her career.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Those generally include religious organizations like churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques in the U.S., as well as domestic nonprofit schools and hospitals.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Political and religious leaders such as Malafaia and Magno Malta embrace a vengeful Jesus willing to strike down non-believers and perceived enemies of God.
    Emi Eleode, Time, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perfervid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfervid. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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