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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 Ahmir Thompson, the director better known as Questlove, proceeds with more care — with ardor even — than that series, which ran for about 17 years on VH1 and developed a formula that itself became an addictive experience. Wesley Morris, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025 Fearful of looking like bullies, Democrats by and large lost their ardor to block his confirmation. Michael Isikoff, airmail.news, 25 May 2024 Through thick and thin, a constant for McCann was his ardor for the Phillies, a club that has been in existence for over 140 years, winning a grand total — during that span — of two world championships. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024 Killian’s reviews are brimming with genuine pleasure, and also a wonderment and ardor for the great variety of stuff on the Web site. Oscar Schwartz, The New Yorker, 27 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ardor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ardor
Noun
  • His kitchen skills, puckish humor and enthusiasm helped earn him regular invitations to appear on TV cooking shows, including every Food Network series and a couple shows for TLC.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2025
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,104 points, or 2.6%, staying near its highs for most of the session with buying enthusiasm remaining strong.
    Brian Evans,Yun Li,Fred Imbert, CNBC, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Better to be parched with thirst, better to pray for pain, pain, and more pain, than to feel empty, and to feel so without truly feeling at all.
    Peter Nguyen, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
  • But with that life comes the eternal dark thirst, too.
    Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Back then, classic Defenders weren’t very common in the U.S., but Marcello had fallen in love with the car as a teenager, and buying one was the continuation of what has become a lifelong passion.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 15 May 2025
  • The Savage brothers ultimately pursued other passions beyond acting, with Fred working extensively as a TV director and Ben getting into Los Angeles politics.
    Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • There has to be urgency, there has to be force, there has to be intensity, there has to [be] concentration.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025
  • The narrative, though minimal, resonates through its intensity and restraint.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Intuiting that her lust for vendetta is a more effective lever to pull than, say, June’s political commitments or even her guilt, Joseph brings up Serena Joy’s fairy-tale wedding.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2025
  • All the players corroborate a truism: Politics attracts deformed personalities featuring an insatiable lust of power for the sake of power to fuel self-esteem.
    Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • But the Telugu movie that works across the country is still rooted in Indian emotions and mythology.
    Vishal Menon, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
  • There’s just all sorts of emotions, but overwhelmingly, gratitude.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Throughout his life, Joe Don touched many lives with his warmth and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
    Tommy McArdle, People.com, 15 May 2025
  • Mixing materials and varying finishes—brushed, polished, antiqued—adds warmth and depth.
    Eleni N. Gage, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ardor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardor. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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