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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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for ardor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ardor
Noun
  • The club is led by driver and CEO Tom Slingsby, the Australian 2012 Olympic gold medalist, who shared his enthusiasm for adding Jackman and Reynolds to the crew.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • This contrasts with an apparent upcoming boom in Europe, although this is based on government coercion rather than enthusiasm for EVs.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • While Jesse tries his best to impart some wisdom to Ellie, emphasizing that community is more important than individual wants, especially during the end of the world, Ellie just can’t let go of her thirst for vengeance.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • People who have trouble sensing their bodily signals – thirst, hunger, pain, an itch – often have mental health challenges.
    Dobromir Rahnev, The Conversation, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Everyone was truly invested in this adaptation and each and everyone brought part of their own passion in this project.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 8 June 2025
  • His studies at the University of Cambridge's Christ's College from 1828 to 1831 encouraged his passion for natural science.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Try and enjoy the stress and intensity of this moment.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 4 June 2025
  • Both services use data from NASA’s DSCOVR and ACE satellites, which orbit about a million miles out and measure the solar wind’s speed and magnetic intensity.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • In this intertwining tale about lust, rage, and abandonment, Alice must find her mysterious hook-up in order to save her humanity.
    Shannon Carlin, Time, 22 May 2025
  • Working with producer Carter Lang of SZA and Doja Cat fame, de la Fuente is no longer trying to capture the gilded vignettes of home, but rather relaxing into the bliss of fleeting moments, creating universal depictions of lust and yearning sung in breathy registers.
    Vita Dadoo, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Everything gets harder when your emotions run wild and your judgment clouds.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • His evolution required alterations to his left-handed swing, learning how to channel his emotions, and even a few wake-up calls.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • The experience of caring for another living creature has been found to soften inmates’ anger, allowing some to experience warmth and affection for the first time in their lives.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
  • The historic residence exudes charm, warmth and character thanks to an abundance of rich woodwork, gorgeous coffered ceilings and shining hardwood floors.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ardor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardor. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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