1
2
3

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 Every title in her catalog is benefiting from the exciting news, but none seem to have attracted the ardor of her legion of fans quite like Reputation. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 While Republican officeholders are reluctant to directly condemn Trump, several have expressed the hope that the ardor for tariffs will be short-lived. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for ardor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ardor
Noun
  • Originally self-published, Until the World Falls Down constellated enthusiasm on TikTok in the weeks following its publication, ultimately leading to a three-book deal with a publisher.
    Logan Karlie September 2, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025
  • But when the Republican voters lack enthusiasm, as in 2022, Democrats go into the fall with a clear advantage.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There is an unmistakable thirst in Pettman’s quest to understand the problems of having a body in an increasingly digital age.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Celery Juice Celery juice is made with 95% water, which can quench your thirst.
    Lauren O'Connor, Health, 1 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Jackson Sanders is passionate about aviation, and the Mt. Juliet High School senior couldn't wait to share that passion.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Even while caring for her son, Emmons pursued her passion for education.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The goal is to allow the fire to meet the holding features at the lowest possible fire intensity.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Its presence in the night sky on Saturday may make any auroras harder to see, but that does depends on their intensity.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Typically, at least two women appeared, generously endowed and in various states of undress, posed between sheets and slips of lust and terror.
    Trish Bendix August 21, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2025
  • However, there’s nothing funny about trampling — in the lust for partisan political power — the quaintly democratic notion that congressional districts should fairly represent the characteristics and values of their constituents.
    Dan Walters, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • There is nothing left now but rhythm and exhaustion and raw emotion and stardust bursting out of you.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The show’s palette trends toward bottle-green woods, gauzy golden light, dusky midnight-blue nighttime scenes, and grimly gray interiors, and within those tableaus, Task’s male characters are gorgeously aggrieved, emotion pouring off of them like coffee from a Wawa urn.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • When life events call for satisfying comfort food, try our Eggplant Parmesan to evoke warmth and tenderness.
    Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • As the sun set over the East River, the music faded but the warmth lingered.
    Essence, Essence, 6 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ardor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardor. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ardor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!