FANATICISM Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

fanaticism

noun

Definition of fanaticism

as in zeal

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

as in dogmatism

Related Words

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 what unfolded in Tokyo at the inaugural Polofest surpassed mere fandom, stretching into the realm of infatuation, obsession, or perhaps even a touch of cultish devotion.

— Zachary Weiss, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2026
La Fetta’s story started with the infatuation of one sandwich.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of infatuation

Noun

This is because the assumptions about Majid, the insistence upon reading him as a political avatar, is not confined to busybodies on the street.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
At Jed’s insistence, the three men ride out on horseback to survey the expansive ranch that theft and expulsion made.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of insistence

Noun

The decade has cemented its place as one of fashion’s most influential periods; see Love Story mania, the Tate’s current ’90s exhibition in the UK, and the next Met Gala theme.

— Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 6 Nov. 2026
This new film falls somewhere between those two in terms of full metal McDonagh-mania.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 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

Browse Nearby Words

fanatically

fanaticism

fanaticisms

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Fanaticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fanaticism. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of fanaticism

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on fanaticism

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

valorous

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes