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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 For me, that ardor finds one of its moving expressions in a small poem in Eternal Enemies, my first encounter with Zagajewski’s poetry. Elaine L. Wang september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025 The movie vulgarly sexualizes youthful political ardor and, even more contemptibly, the very notion of racial justice. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025 In her method of evasion, Bailey soon began to develop an ardor for book collecting. Olivia Cyrus, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2025 For now at least, that reality isn’t blunting the temporary ardor for counter-attack. Philip Elliott, Time, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ardor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ardor
Noun
  • While some people shared Musk’s enthusiasm, others criticized the decision.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Stein, for now, was happy to accept Dodge’s enthusiasm.
    Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Common symptoms include significant weight loss, feelings of fatigue and heightened vulnerability to infections, as well as frequent urination and excessive thirst.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
  • French smart telescope pioneer Vaonis helps quench my thirst with a special edition of its flagship that puts the inner workings on view.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Can a player with such high-level talent supplement his passion with winning focus?
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Her discovery, her self-creation, her passion, and emergence as an artist felt braided with what had originally fascinated me about paint-making.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Other benefits of acupuncture were pain intensity reduction, an improvement of physical functions, and fewer anxiety symptoms.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • So there’s certainly more intensity and more gore.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There's so much joy and this entrepreneurial spirit and kind of lust.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025
  • True to his reputation as a naturalist, Shakespeare had transcribed a duet of love and partnership between two owls as part of a song of lust and merriment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Swift’s 149-show, five-continent expedition encapsulated a tsunami of emotions not just among her fans, but her own journey through a very public breakup, a fling and, as indicated by her engagement to Kelce, knee-buckling love.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Each verse is a heartfelt exploration of sorrow, capturing the complexity of human emotions in the face of separation.
    Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Honey ginger chicken with brown rice is easy to make and your home will be filled with aromas that hint of warmth and coziness.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • My focus was always trying to bring the kind of complexities of the kink world to the screen…trying to find the warmth in that community rather than be like Prince Albert, whips, chains, and gags.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ardor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardor. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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