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 Speaking specifically about those spreading transphobic views online, Ellis-Bextor said she was dismayed at the fervor with which many of them spoke. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2025 The legacy trade preference program lapsed Tuesday without a renewal from Congress, shocking some and disappointing many, including lawmakers, importers and the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) exporters and heads of state who have been lobbying with mounting fervor for an extension. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2025 But with social media fervor comes rumors. Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 29 Sep. 2025 Here, with a flinty gaze and revolutionary fervor, Taylor casts maternal instinct to the winds. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • While some people shared Musk’s enthusiasm, others criticized the decision.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Stein, for now, was happy to accept Dodge’s enthusiasm.
    Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That intensity wasn’t reserved for game day, either.
    Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Game 4 was high-intensity from the jump with Cristopher Sanchez and Tyler Glasnow going head-to-head in a pitchers' duel.
    Valentina Martinez, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Luminous and lustrous, Luminous Blue celebrates indigo in its most expressive form—deep, bright blues that shimmer with energy and emotion.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Rachel Chinouriri only recently started penning love songs that capture emotions as intense as the ones that show up across her debut album What a Devastating Turn of Events.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Downtown centers on Route 23, better known as Main Street, where cafés, galleries, and mom-and-pop shops give Windham its hometown warmth.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Beyond political motives, the group yearn for human warmth and connection.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Each candle pairs a calming scent with a meaningful crystal, like rose quartz for healing or garnet for passion.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Until the attempt to muzzle Kimmel failed, giving satirists a new cause and fresh passion to pursue it.
    Eric Deggans, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on fervor

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