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 Warren and Sanders have been two of Platner's most ardent and high-profile supporters in Congress. Terry Collins, USA Today, 7 July 2026 These ardent vows notwithstanding, the riven Ahab periodically yearns for the peace and comforts of home while viewing such tender, human feelings as weakness. Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 While most of us know about laundry, decluttering, and scrubbing the bathroom, there are some tasks that even the most ardent cleaners may overlook. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 6 July 2026 The relationship of the pop star and the football player has thrilled and fascinated millions around the world — particularly the Swifties, the pop star’s enormous and ardent fan base — ever since the pair first started dating in 2023. ABC News, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ardent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ardent
Adjective
  • That Beyoncé slot came off the back of a firm but passionate letter Nia wrote to protest the lack of a dance-music category at the UK’s MOBO awards.
    Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
  • This success contrasts sharply with the struggling Mets, despite both being NYC franchises with passionate fans.
    Robert Reiss, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Once an avid Pilates goer, Beretti struggles to go up the stairs and can no longer run or jump.
    Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • Aside from his prowess on the basketball court, Brunson has become known in some circles as an avid TV viewer.
    Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 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
  • After a woeful June, one that had even the club’s most fervent supporters hovering their hands over panic buttons, the Braves have burst out of the All-Star break with vengeance on offense.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
  • Down to 10 men, fighting altitude and fervent home support, the Three Lions somehow clung on against the co-host to reach the quarterfinals.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Her voice was earnest and corporate, a mom enthusiastic about YouTube creators and new product features.
    Claire Stapleton, New Yorker, 18 July 2026
  • So even then, one extreme was mildly favorable, the other wildly enthusiastic.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • Von Carolsfeld doesn’t attempt a sweeping indictment of the criminal justice system, but rather produces a devastatingly accurate portrait of the searing human complicity that allows some monsters to roam free.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
  • If random disclosure of common-sense-defying detail is your idea of a searing, poignant journey into the light of faith, there’s more where that came from.
    Matthew Walther, The Atlantic, 20 July 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
  • Redelinghuys said Umzi’s executive Chef Mensah Thompson is excited to bring South African cuisine and menu items inspired from other African countries.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026
  • An excited crowd cheered and waved homemade signs supporting Pancake.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ardent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardent. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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