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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 Charles’ ardor also applies to Herb’s former musical and romantic partner, Nell Mortimer (Mulligan). Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Mar. 2025 But any non-cynic can’t help but be swept up in its doomed ardor. 54. Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025 With the exception of the loving, loyal Nasha, whom Ackie invests with romantic ardor and action-hero intensity, Mickey’s fellow-travellers prove a rotten lot. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for ardor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ardor
Noun
  • There is perhaps even more diversity around technology transfer, with rules, attitudes and enthusiasm varying significantly between universities.
    Trevor Clawson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • But its interest would set off a free-for-all among large railroads and pose a test of the Trump administration’s enthusiasm for industrial consolidation.
    Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Matty is assigned to Olympia (Skye P. Marshall), a senior attorney and key rainmaker with a thirst for justice.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 15 July 2025
  • Cooper Flagg’s work ethic does not specifically come from a thirst from within, a drive to be the best.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • McMichael's family told KFOR, an NBC affiliate, that purchasing livestock was a passion for him.
    Nicole Brown Chau July 14, CBS News, 14 July 2025
  • The family’s true farm-to-table lifestyle—growing fresh fruits and vegetables, raising chickens, hogs, and cattle—instilled in Mike a lasting passion for fresh ingredients and an appreciation for how meals can tell a story, bring people together, and celebrate heritage.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Progress slowly: Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts to avoid overtraining.
    Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025
  • July is on course to set new records for the intensity of cross-border attacks. LONDON -- Russia and Ukraine again exchanged a series of major overnight drone strikes as the two sides maneuvered ahead of a possible resumption of ceasefire talks later this week.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Spanning every emotion between anger and lust, this collection makes for a fiery must-read.
    Wanjeri Gakuru July 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
  • The character is caught between a manic id fueled equally by a painful breakup and the lust of new love, and the debilitating superego induced by the same life events.
    Anna Peele, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The prefrontal cortex – the area of the brain that regulates emotions, behavior and memory processing – is the last region to connect to others, one which may not fully integrate until the third decade of life.
    The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • Naturally, the release of those chemicals follows the completion of a race, which can lead to an outpouring of emotions for those who exert themselves during a marathon, Consuelos said.
    EW.com, EW.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Hospitality, for us, is a reflection of our values—warmth, generosity, and community.
    Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Science backs this up: Simple expressions of warmth can lower stress hormones for both giver and receiver.
    Belal Aftab, Mercury News, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ardor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardor. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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