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 But yes, occasionally the anti-speaker fervor of left-wing student groups went overboard and in general some academics and writers on the left should have been more outspoken about maintaining climates of open discourse on campus. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025 The coup: Before the coup, the CIA, along with the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), helped foment anti-Mossadegh fervor using propaganda. Helen Regan, CNN Money, 18 June 2025 Visionaries often share a tendency for extremism and fervor, an obsession with purity. Hazlitt, 11 June 2025 Organizers are seeing a new fervor among participants following the Los Angeles news. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • Your loyalty, enthusiasm and belief in our products have meant the world to us.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • It was never built, because understanding dolphin language was never a research priority, but the whole project just feels very 1970s in its inspiration and enthusiasm.
    Eva Amsen, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Cooler temperatures raise level of play The temperature dropped, and the intensity rose.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Expressing Emotions Supports Emotional Regulation While many try to instinctively suppress uncomfortable emotions, research shows that simply putting your feelings into words can powerfully help regulate emotional intensity.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Pay attention to their body language, tone of voice, and underlying emotions.
    Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Wedding planning brought excitement and emotion, but also a surprise challenge Madi didn’t see coming.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Global visitors can experience the richness, warmth and diversity of U.S. destinations and people.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Her warmth and humor and affection stayed hidden behind a wall of invulnerability.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Their steadfast passion for making exceptional whisky established the foundation for the distillery's distinguished legacy.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • February 2025 Knight of Wands: The full moon in Leo on February 24 will supercharge your creativity and passion, making this the perfect month to take bold risks in love, art, or personal projects.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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