FANATICISM Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

fanaticism

noun

Definition of fanaticism

as in zeal

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Dissimilar Words

as in dogmatism

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Dissimilar Words

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 fanaticism But the beauty of the beautiful game is that millions of dollars and people don’t guarantee success, that there’s a difference between a soccer-playing nation and a soccer nation, that passion and culture and fanaticism matter. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026 Even after the glow of the Cup has faded, opportunities to plug into Scotland’s football fanaticism will continue. — Laura Dannen Redman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 May 2026 Global warming led to international tensions, and a mixture of religious fanaticism and failures in governance gave way to nuclear annihilation. — Ian Stokes, Space.com, 24 May 2026 Even OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Anthropic’s Dario Amodei, the current darlings of generative-AI fanaticism, will become subdued if their firms survive. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fanaticism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fanaticism

Noun

Fueled by affection for Gramps, by nostalgia for a childhood steeped in whiskymaking lore, and by a distinct lack of zeal for his law-firm day job, Kevin agrees to drive him the 2,000-odd miles from Arizona.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
But the current efflorescence can perhaps most be credited to the zeal of online communities whose social dynamics encourage avid, savvy viewership.

— Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of zeal

Noun

When authenticity becomes uncompromising, candor turns belligerent, consistency becomes rigid, or principled decision-making morphs into dogmatism, even the best intentions can backfire.

— Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
By staying so close to black metal’s core sound, Marchenko does more to undermine the dogmatism—both racial and aesthetic—of Vikernes and his ilk than a more obviously experimental project might.

— Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 31 Mar. 2026

Definition of dogmatism

Noun

What makes brisket unique is that its price increase has coincided with an explosion in demand, driven by an almost cult-like obsession with barbecue over the past several years.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2026
In Kris’ case, that obsession was with Camp Miasma, its tortured villain Little Death, and the oversexualized victims who ended up on the other end of Little Death’s spear, terrible sequel after terrible sequel.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of obsession

Noun

As part of a social study, Manila spent five months interviewing Rodríguez for the philosophy department at the University of Palma de Mallorca.

— Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
That philosophy shows up throughout the entire property, from local artwork and community programming to the restaurants and public spaces that draw neighborhood regulars alongside hotel guests.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of philosophy

Noun

Critics also say the government’s insistence on the male-only succession is an imposition of an inhumane system on the royals without taking into consideration their burden and feelings.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
What distinguishes Elix in the crowded wellness landscape is its insistence on both heritage and evidence.

— Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of insistence

Noun

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious medical emergency characterized by severe, rapid onset psychiatric episodes such as mania, depression, delusions or hallucinations.

— Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Symptoms include anxiety, hypervigilance, confusion and mania, and taking on activities that might be considered strange.

— Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of mania

Noun

Courts developed the doctrine of successor liability precisely because asset buyers so often attempt to leave a seller’s obligations behind.

— Camden Kaminsky, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Long before the official ban on private farming was lifted in 1982, peasants across China spontaneously reintroduced private ownership in defiance of socialist doctrine.

— Rainer Zitelmann, Space.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of doctrine

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“Fanaticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fanaticism. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of fanaticism

noun

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