spirit 1 of 2

1
as in soul
an immaterial force within a human being thought to give the body life, energy, and power the theological and philosophical belief that the spirit is superior to the body

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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spirit

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word spirit distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of spirit are courage, mettle, resolution, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened.

her spirit was unbroken by failure

When might courage be a better fit than spirit?

While the synonyms courage and spirit are close in meaning, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When could mettle be used to replace spirit?

The words mettle and spirit can be used in similar contexts, but mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

In what contexts can resolution take the place of spirit?

Although the words resolution and spirit have much in common, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

How are the words tenacity and resolution related as synonyms of spirit?

Tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat.

held to their beliefs with great tenacity

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 spirit
Noun
The presence of trucks before the attacks has raised questions about whether any enriched uranium or centrifuges had been spirited away before the attack, something repeatedly claimed by Iranian officials. Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025 Mensah isn’t the first Aztec alum spirited out of a country with missiles exploding behind him. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025
Verb
And then there's game day, which sneaks up on us every year but thrusts us into our school colors and the spirit of tailgating, entertaining, and general celebration. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 31 July 2025 In the bakeries of Copenhagen today, the spirit of the guild lives vividly on. Carinne Geil Botta, Vogue, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for spirit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirit
Noun
  • The musical slipstream that creates between bluegrass, blues, country, folk, hip-hop, jazz, R&B, rock and soul has roots more firmly entrenched — and more lucrative — in Music City than ever.
    Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • Butler is a victim of a sinister moral panic, one in which small and jealous spirits tore down the highest targets their stubby little souls could reach.
    Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The app is currently in test mode and available on iOS devices.
    Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 30 July 2025
  • This might be user error, because perhaps spending more time in Range mode might have helped, but this Polestar 3 did not seem to take naturally to a more sedate pace of life.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • Choose from ghosts, black cats, and pumpkins, all with a range of colors to match your home’s color palette.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2025
  • The nearly 150-year-old building also comes with a mischievous (and fictitious) ghost the team at Santé’ has dubbed Dante.
    Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • Starting in February, bars and liquor stores in Canada removed bourbon and other U.S.-made spirits and wines from their shelves to protest President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and his unwelcome suggestion that our northern neighbors become the 51st U.S. state.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Another must: Make the 30-mile drive out to Poplar Haus, a rustic restaurant, lodge, and craft liquor store off the scenic Gunflint Trail. Where to stay Book now: Agua Norte A five-minute drive from town, Agua Norte‘s two cabins and a loft overlook Lake Superior.
    Ashlea Halpern, AFAR Media, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Accordingly, Osbourne’s music captured the viewpoint of someone out of touch with their own mind, whose good intentions are thwarted by terrible urges.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
  • The case captured national attention because of its controversy.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • With continuation funds, asset managers in essence are using new investors’ money to pay off old ones.
    Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • The miscommunication that Scorsese’s blurb refers to as the essence of our crise is the product of both political tragedy and B-movie sensationalism.
    Armond White, National Review, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • This is the kind of sarcastic humor that keeps the mood light throughout the 162-game marathon.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Meals are served on fine China, and tables are set with flickering LED candles to set the mood.
    Nina Ruggiero, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Mercury reaches its point of greatest eastern elongation on Friday (July 4), presenting an excellent opportunity to spot the rocky planet during its evening apparition in the post-sunset sky.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2025
  • While contemplating his former love and his future as a father, Massey conjures up the apparition of his beloved Catherine.
    Claire Franken, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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