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
  • The flow of emotions, friends’ opinions, and experts’ suggestions will result in conflicting but not mutually exclusive objectives.
    Heather L. Locus, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • The themes here are classically Bourgeoisian—human interdependence and the difficulty of uncoupling—but the contrast of austere kineticism with raw emotion is unusual and enthralling.
    Jillian Steinhauer, New Yorker, 23 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
  • Their mission is to represent the highest level of excellence in the world of wine; to be synonymous with both exquisite quality and sustainability; to blend family heritage and innovation; and to be aspirational through their vision and passion.
    Yuri Shima, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Combining these passions with her engineering degree from Florida, Jackson hopes to enter the biomechanics field.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 23 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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