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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun enthusiasm differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enthusiasm are ardor, fervor, passion, and zeal. While all these words mean "intense emotion compelling action," enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

When would ardor be a good substitute for enthusiasm?

While in some cases nearly identical to enthusiasm, ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

When might fervor be a better fit than enthusiasm?

The synonyms fervor and enthusiasm are sometimes interchangeable, but fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

When could passion be used to replace enthusiasm?

While the synonyms passion and enthusiasm are close in meaning, passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

was a slave to his passions

Where would zeal be a reasonable alternative to enthusiasm?

The words zeal and enthusiasm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 enthusiasm Despite the usual consumer enthusiasm, Wall Street appears to be lukewarm Tuesday, sending Amazon down nearly 1.5%. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 8 July 2025 Boomers Club President Howard Fox shared his enthusiasm for this year’s festival. Daniella Walsh, Oc Register, 7 July 2025 Late last week, some influential Democrats were saying that Lamont’s enthusiasm for his chief regulator may have cooled after PURA conceded destruction of the text messages. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025 Throughout, the cast of 17 exudes an unmistakable enthusiasm for the material, the onstage electricity radiating up the alpine slopes of the Guthrie’s expansive Wurtele Thrust. Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for enthusiasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enthusiasm
Noun
  • The latests deaths included three residents of long-term care facilities in Dallas, as well as a Balch Springs man in his 20s and a Dallas man in his 60s.
    Dana Branham, Dallas News, 30 Apr. 2020
  • That equates to more than 45 million Americans using CBD products, based on latest available U.S. Census estimates.
    Brendan Bures, chicagotribune.com, 2 Oct. 2019
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
  • Cooler temperatures raise level of play The temperature dropped, and the intensity rose.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Expressing Emotions Supports Emotional Regulation While many try to instinctively suppress uncomfortable emotions, research shows that simply putting your feelings into words can powerfully help regulate emotional intensity.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • This simplicity and efficiency is a big part of the reason why rucking is the hottest new fitness craze.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • From classics to new crazes, here are the most popular spots to grab a quick and delicious chicken sandwich, according to Yelp.
    Clea Haran, Parents, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Christen expressed her excitement in her Instagram Story shortly after uploading the news to her feed.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Fan engagement is up, and innovations like the Pit Boost have added excitement.
    Jenn Nelson, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Each timepiece and every game tells a story of strategy, precision and emotion.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • While violent and property crime across almost every category has been down in Milwaukee in 2025 compared to this time last year, homicides have risen, continuing a trend that began six months ago.
    Jack Albright, jsonline.com, 9 July 2025
  • The trend for Thursday through the weekend looks very seasonable for mid July as high pressure builds.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • In the past several years, as appetites for true crime have increased and murder rates in U.S. cities have decreased, Wolf has moved into the unscripted space, producing a bunch of true-crime shows for the likes of Oxygen and A&E.
    John J. Lennon, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2025
  • With his opaque history and sources of wealth, his super-powerful friends and his immoral appetites, Epstein became the perfect avatar for our at-home Hollywood heroism.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enthusiasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enthusiasm. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on enthusiasm

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