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 By the way they’re subtly disparaged for not being financially irresponsible to declare their fanaticism. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 13 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for fanaticism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fanaticism

Noun

When none of the professors got back to her, Jamie’s initial zeal cooled.

— Sam Kestenbaum, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
In the changeover, local DJ and sound designer Max Ville helped customize a hi-fi lounge adjacent to the dining room, embodying Brock’s zeal for collectible vinyl.

— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 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

But there’s a Marie Antoinette-style similarity between Hussein’s narcissist tendencies and Trump’s obsession with all that glitters — from the water in the reflecting pool to the walls of the Oval Office — even as the economy crashes.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
The customer has always been my number-one obsession — without them, nothing is possible.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of obsession

Noun

People in search of healthcare do not care which national story others wish to project onto a molecule, device, or platform, which regulatory philosophy defines it, or which flag stands behind a laboratory.

— Ruby Wang, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
That philosophy fits in well with Angel City, which, under sporting director Mark Parsons and majority owners Willow Bay and Bob Iger, has expanded its support staff to include a psychologist and a mental performance coach.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of philosophy

Noun

The Bulls dug too deep of a deficit in the first quarter to overcome, but their insistence on pursuing second-chance opportunities buoyed an outmatched roster to win the second half, accounting for 25 of the team’s point total.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Not only has the gimmick run stale, but her insistence on upping the ante year after year, creating costumes that are increasingly bizarre and disgusting, is a threat to us all.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of insistence

Noun

The band frequently steers the poppy songwriting offroad by leaning into distortion and ambience, creating moments of both near-mania and hazy unease.

— Sue Park, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
But this time, the AI wager is concentrated in far fewer companies than the railway mania ever was.

— Ming Lu, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of mania

Noun

At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth felt her baby leap in her womb, which signified that John had become sanctified and cleansed of original sin, as if by baptism, according to Catholic doctrine.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Police tactics are changing too Historically, France’s crowd control doctrine was all about keeping protesters at a distance.

— Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of doctrine

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“Fanaticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fanaticism. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of fanaticism

noun

Example Sentences

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