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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 Your enthusiasm and certainty become contagious, creating a positive cycle of confidence that turns opportunities into results. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Donald Trump's executive order requiring artificial intelligence training in education as a national priority has been met with enthusiasm and confusion. ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2025 Anyone who has ever spoken to Natalie recognizes her electric enthusiasm and endless curiosity for every range of story. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025 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 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • More than a decade after the Ice Bucket Challenge flooded social media with footage of people getting drenched in freezing water for a good cause, the viral craze is back — this time to raise awareness and funds for mental health.
    Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Liquid lipsticks have long evolved since the original 2015 craze.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • To demonstrate the flexibility of the Bronco SUV, last week Ford Motor Co. revealed two project vehicles to enthusiasts who want to personalize their Broncos for off-road excitement.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • That excitement tided people over for many years when those sources weren’t all that profitable.
    Umair Irfan, Vox, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Try to identify emotions beyond frustration, annoyance or other shades of anger.
    Caroline Fleck, Contributor, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The American Public Health Association says that as global average temperatures rise, these trends will continue and make allergies an increasing public health concern.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • While the many trends were easy to spot, the differences were all in the details.
    Cierra Black, Essence, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Don’t forget that Bezos’s appetite for the exceptional extends offshore, with Koru, his $500 million, 417-foot sailing yacht, and Abeona, the $75 million, 250-foot support vessel that follows in its wake.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Whether that trend will continue is unknown, but Villa aren’t short of wealthy backers with appetites to invest.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enthusiasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enthusiasm. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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