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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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 What Project 2025 describes as fanaticism is, in fact, the implementation of policies advocated by Nordhaus and other mainstream economists. — Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 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 In Paul’s time, Josephus was a perfect instance of the first kind, a brilliant military leader who, when faced with the fanaticism of his cohorts, chose to shift his allegiance to Rome. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 As much as an institutional critique, Szpila has given us a parable on the dangers of fanaticism and the necessity of radicalism, and the obvious parallel between the rigidity of belief systems. — Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fanaticism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fanaticism

Noun

Perhaps my zeal to reiterate my distrust of the Dubs’ front office has blinded me to their behind-the-scenes brilliance.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Yet from No Child Left Behind through the push for the Common Core into today’s zeal for science of reading, policy leaders are frustrated that the version of policy that occurs in the classroom does not match their vision.

— Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 30 June 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

David Senra turned his obsession with studying great entrepreneurs into the podcast series Founders.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 7 July 2026
My latest obsession is Trader Joe’s new Spicy Pink Salt with Crushed Red Chili Pepper, which sells for only $2, and is admittedly easy to miss when roaming down the spice aisle.

— Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 6 July 2026

Definition of obsession

Noun

The publisher framed the fix as better communication rather than a change of philosophy, and Insider Gaming reported that more monetization is coming across EA's slate.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
When Wilson works out with weights, those were also chosen in collaboration with the actor, which is in keeping with McCall’s philosophy that the actors should feel like their surroundings are extensions of the characters.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 July 2026

Definition of philosophy

Noun

Friendship was a tender, absurd depiction of a one-sided, quasi-platonic infatuation.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 July 2026
Additionally, evidence pointed to Rinderknecht’s infatuation with Luigi Mangione, the suspect facing two state cases and one federal prosecution tied to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2026

Definition of infatuation

Noun

In the majority’s view, this must be read broadly to achieve the declaration’s insistence on rights and equality.

— Morgan Marietta, The Conversation, 30 June 2026
Steve Tew, district attorney for Ouachita and Morehouse parishes, has never wavered in his insistence that Duncan was guilty of murder and that he should be put to death.

— Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 29 June 2026

Definition of insistence

Noun

Amid the post-pandemic mania for luxury collectibles, Sotheby’s wine and spirits department achieved a record $132 million in sales in 2021.

— George Nelson for ArtNews, Robb Report, 9 July 2026
So much for the logo-mania that, for years, defined China’s Gen Z and millennial shoppers.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

Definition of mania

Noun

Questioning, if not rejecting, established Christian doctrine, Ahab also comes to regard Moby Dick as the outward and visible sign, the physical embodiment of the indifference or, worse, utter malignity inherent in the universe.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Deployment and engagement decisions, however, will remain under human control and within existing doctrine and legal frameworks.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026

Definition of doctrine

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“Fanaticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fanaticism. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of fanaticism

noun

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