Definition of fervornext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun fervor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fervor are ardor, enthusiasm, passion, and zeal. While all these words mean "intense emotion compelling action," fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

When could ardor be used to replace fervor?

In some situations, the words ardor and fervor are roughly equivalent. However, ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

When might enthusiasm be a better fit than fervor?

The words enthusiasm and fervor can be used in similar contexts, but enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

When is it sensible to use passion instead of fervor?

The meanings of passion and fervor largely overlap; however, passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

was a slave to his passions

When would zeal be a good substitute for fervor?

While in some cases nearly identical to fervor, 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 fervor Anna is reinvigorated by the murder case, but her fervor ignites the suspicions of Detective Jack Harper (Jon Bernthal). Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Jan. 2026 The new peak was then passed the following month as US rate cuts and speculative fervor drove prices higher, and the rally topped out above $80 earlier this week — in part reflecting elevated buying in China. Yihui Xie, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025 The notion clearly motivates Cardenas, instilling in him a sense of fervor and urgency. James Vincent, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 The release of ChatGPT in late 2022 drove a fervor that carried the S & P 500 up 24% in 2023, 23% in 2024 and, to date, more than 17% in 2025. Sarah Min, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • An hour in McIntyre’s company is a warm, convivial whirlwind of enthusiasm, jokes and anecdotes.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Yet, his enthusiasm is tempered by the valuable lessons from his past work in healthcare AI, reminding us of the importance of learning from each step of our journey.
    Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Short-Track Speed Skating 1500m final, often a highlight for its intensity and adrenaline-inducing turns, will take place on February 12.
    Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • UConn athletes embody that reality every day — balancing intensity, visibility, and packed schedules.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Your team acts as the buffer between your emotions and the buyer’s demands.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • These are the romance movies that lean into big emotions, meaningful connections, and the kind of love that lingers long after the credits roll — and will likely leave you balling your eyes out.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Antiques layered into a comfortable, practical palette help strike the balance between austerity and warmth.
    Hannah Coates, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026
  • However, 2023 research from Emotion demonstrates that when people receive positive responses — such as warmth, affirmation or approval — their brains treat it as a reward.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Schemmel’s passion these days is working as an ambassador and chief fundraiser for Best Day Ministries in downtown Longmont.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2026
  • If Boca Championship Wrestling sounds like an unusual passion project for a real-estate broker, Maschler is quick to explain the overlap.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fervor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!