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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
  • The enthusiasm has spawned an industry that turns offal—a catchall term for an animal’s nonmuscular parts—into pill or powdered form.
    Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Even if sales have flagged for the upper segments, enthusiasm among art appreciators has not, with more than 91,000 attendees passing through the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre during Art Basel’s five-day run.
    Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Sunrise on the Reaping First Look There are no first-look images from the set or trailers to quench our thirst just yet, but Lionsgate did give fans a little something to hang onto during this year's CinemaCon.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • There’s an understandable thirst for an epic title race and a relegation battle that goes to the wire.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His unique passions and experiences lead him to create works that truly resonate with his audience.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • At age 14, Tom Schröder had no idea that his passion for sailing would lead him to an ocean odyssey spanning the globe.
    Katia Damborsky, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The challenge isn't new, but the intensity is unprecedented.
    Tomás O’Leary, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • There’s some intensity brewing now too, as power-hungry planet Pluto stations retrograde on May 4 in your sign.
    Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Eventually, Frank wants to be on the receiving end of his own unquenchable lust, and perhaps Rick wants something similar—to be on the receiving end of his own insatiable rage, and experience the bliss of death.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Read more: About That Surprise Cameo in the The White Lotus Season 3 Premiere Season 2 focused on infidelity Season 2 centered on lust, and the pairings were predictably toxic.
    Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Try to identify emotions beyond frustration, annoyance or other shades of anger.
    Caroline Fleck, Contributor, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
  • There are moments of levity scattered throughout, a necessity when dealing with subject matter as harsh and cold as inevitable mortality, but they're surgically placed to extract the most emotion out of the player.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The conversation revealed Francis' characteristic warmth and accessibility, moving many participants to tears.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025
  • From red hair and circular blush at Coachella to the resurrection of minimal manicures for Easter, this week’s celebrity beauty moments were all about warmth and length for spring.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ardor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardor. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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