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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun ardor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ardor are enthusiasm, fervor, passion, and zeal. While all these words mean "intense emotion compelling action," ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

Where would enthusiasm be a reasonable alternative to ardor?

While the synonyms enthusiasm and ardor are close in meaning, enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

When is fervor a more appropriate choice than ardor?

The meanings of fervor and ardor largely overlap; however, fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

When is it sensible to use passion instead of ardor?

While in some cases nearly identical to ardor, passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

was a slave to his passions

When might zeal be a better fit than ardor?

The synonyms zeal and ardor are sometimes interchangeable, but zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.

preaches with fanatical zeal

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 ardor Each letter comes across as a set piece, a small achievement of style and tone: Vasari’s flowery, deferential missives to the duke, Maria’s youthful ardor and confusion, the overly pious cattiness of a nun. Chelsea Leu, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 Charles’ ardor also applies to Herb’s former musical and romantic partner, Nell Mortimer (Mulligan). Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Mar. 2025 But any non-cynic can’t help but be swept up in its doomed ardor. 54. Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025 With the exception of the loving, loyal Nasha, whom Ackie invests with romantic ardor and action-hero intensity, Mickey’s fellow-travellers prove a rotten lot. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ardor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ardor
Noun
  • Institutional enthusiasm for digital assets is rising, and the U.S. regulatory climate has grown friendlier, even as the economics of mining face more pressure from bitcoin’s quadrennial halving.
    Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The market has been buoyed by a strong corporate earnings season and undeterred investor enthusiasm about AI.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The family’s thirst for cash makes questions about conflicts of interest all the more pressing.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2025
  • The software provider is seen as being a pure artificial intelligence consultant, which is very important in a market that thirsts for pure AI plays.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • What brings the biggest purpose and passion to your days lately?
    Jeff Conway, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Rich with nuance, passion, and unforgettable characters, Unaccustomed Earth invites you into the elite and insular Indian-American community of Cambridge, MA.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Cuomo would also have to demonstrate to the public how detrimental a Mamdani win would be to New York City and the Democratic Party, and deliver a higher level of intensity and passion in his messaging.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
  • La Costa’s group fitness classes span everything from yoga, spin, and Pilates to power boxing, high intensity interval training, and cardiovascular boot camp.
    Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The film, which features only two speaking roles, consists of seven conversations between a married couple with each flinch of resentment, lust, and morbid curiosity magnified at close range.
    Tiara Ataii, Vulture, 24 June 2025
  • There is nothing, these films insist, quite like that first blush (and flush) of love (and lust).
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • Once Venus enters Leo, there will be greater emphasis on your roots, emotions and home life.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The genre-bending rapper, who has long been revered for blending vulnerability and raw emotion into his music, is now offering an unflinching account of the mental health battles and drug addiction that nearly cost him his life—even at the height of his fame.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • There's no better way to fill your home with warmth and coziness than burning candles.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Chinese entrepreneur Edison Deng is out to find new ways to tap that sprawling market by combining the warmth of a raising pet with the convenience of cutting-edge consumer electronics.
    Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ardor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardor. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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