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 The gentle Convery abruptly ages into Isaac, who steps into the role with the wide-eyed fervor of a man possessed. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2025 Her family has roots in San Jose’s Market Street Chinatown, one of five Chinatowns in the city’s history and a community that was destroyed by arson fueled by anti-Asian fervor. Sophie Luo, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025 Why the Phillies, trying to sell him on the fervor of their market, showed him a chart detailing how the reaction of fans to a Kyle Schwarber home run in the 2022 World Series registered on the Richter scale. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025 Tireless retail buying And anything resembling the demise of the speculative fervor is hard to locate. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • Hawks might whip up enthusiasm by waving a bloody shirt or recalling a stab in the back.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • And one thing about Andrew that is important to remember is that his enthusiasm is a certain kind of spiritually connected chaos that anyone could do with at any age, at any point in their life.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That’s why Mazzulla upped the intensity at training camp.
    Jay King, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • There’s that kind of intensity and fuel that has fanned the fire of Mirador in someways that’s really elevated the band and the performances.
    Gary Graff, Billboard, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With unpredictable twists and emotions running high, this Halloween is especially chaotic, and Mutable signs — Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces — can't imagine what's in store.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Far from creating a cold, mechanical work experience, AI collaboration enhanced positive emotions in ways that rival human teamwork itself.
    François Candelon, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The dress is made from a fine-gauge knit that offers warmth without feeling bulky, which is essential for fluctuating weather.
    Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Your words facilitate warmth and connection today.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As Mars and Neptune harmonize, passion inspires a leap of faith!
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
  • As an aspiring engineer, Nathan's passion for math and science shines brightly.
    Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fervor

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