Definition of ardornext
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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 In the early 1980s, in the full flush of revolutionary ardor and against an age-old enemy who had attacked them without provocation, the Iranian people and armed forces fought and suffered for their country. Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026 By contrast with the work of other documentary filmmakers of similarly observational ardor, Depardon’s method is rugged. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2026 The ardor of contention, the pride of victory, the despair of success, the memory of past injuries and the fear of future dangers all contribute to inflame the mind and to silence the voice of pity. David Brooks, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026 But the yearning in many of his best lyrics is for an unrequited ardor that is equally beyond reach. Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ardor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ardor
Noun
  • That principle has crumbled so far in the face of Wembanyama’s combination of incomprehensible on-court abilities, youthful enthusiasm and cosmopolitan-unto-eccentric savoir faire.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
  • Sharon Ruff, 81, was attracted to Santos’ classes by the eclectic mix of music, and loves the instructor’s energy and enthusiasm.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • New Trier soccer star Addy Randall has an unquenchable thirst to compete.
    Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
  • This thirst for collaborative discovery also led Tao to do a lot of his work in public.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Surrounded by custom paintwork and gleaming chrome, Ugaz said the opportunity to share his passion and craftsmanship with the broader San Francisco community was especially meaningful given the stereotypes lowrider enthusiasts have faced over the years.
    Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 13 June 2026
  • Most people who go on safari are adventurous and love animals, so seeing the Big Five on land and then experiencing all the marine life in the ocean is unique combination that satisfies so many different interests and passions.
    Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Among them are several sustainability goals incentivizing Kering brands to adopt alternative materials like mycelium and to reduce the intensity of bovine leather products.
    Bella Webb, Vogue, 11 June 2026
  • The conflict that ensues is startling in the intensity of its violence, as bodies brawl and break in the mud, flaming torches are taken to the face, and red-hot blades are seared into flesh.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Soon, during a work trip to the Dominican Republic, their love and lust blooms.
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 8 June 2026
  • The moon touches down on your ninth house, stirring curiosity, faith, wanderlust and a lust for something bigger than your usual routine.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • The effect isn’t to lampoon but to confront his raw emotion and to test his capacity for resilience.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
  • Crime films often deal with complex emotions as characters grapple with the morality of their actions.
    Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Multiple real-life accounts of Bessette will be shared, most of them citing her enormous charisma and warmth; her ability to make others feel absolutely seen.
    Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 10 June 2026
  • Every engagement is met with warmth, relaxed professionalism, and a seamless execution that left one wanting for nothing.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ardor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardor. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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