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 The fervor over the company in 2021, which sent the struggling video retailer’s stock up 2,700%, was inspired in part by hedge funds and retail investors’ understanding that the company was growing obsolete. Jake Angelo, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026 The latest Gallup poll revealed that unions have a 70 percent approval rating, an historic high, and the younger generation has embraced the movement with particular fervor. Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 His fervor for society pleases his mother Violet (Ruth Gemmell), but also frustrates her to the point of squeezing Penelope for information. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026 On top of fervor around gold, aluminium and copper, the iron ore price remains strong at around $105 per metric ton, Mills said, noting that iron ore is the biggest earnings driver for many of the larger miners including BHP, Rio Tinto, Vale, and Fortescue. Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • The UConn athletic department acted fast after coach Dan Hurley – and Georgetown coach Ed Cooley – commented on the lack of enthusiasm from the home crowd and some empty seats at men’s basketball games this season.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Sámi filmmaker Elisabeth Rasmussen follows the impressive results of his research, which costs peanuts compared to the enormous budget poured into comparable space missions, with equal zeal and enthusiasm.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • That petition — an effort to bar a young woman from a university because of her decision about which country to represent in an international sporting competition — reflects the intensity of the backlash.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Even with the intensity, Corral said the coaching staff keeps things fun, too.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Mostly, however, Gee’s sophisticated, stealthily moving film folds any bursts of emotion into its exquisitely dark shadows, letting Evans’ limpid but heartsore music do most of the weeping.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Throughout, emotion churns and chafes against a backdrop of political unrest, corporate malfeasance, and the everyday horrors that erode modern life.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In hues from muddy browns to iridescent purples, grackles seek safety in numbers, for the most part, but perhaps warmth and socializing as well.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Elements like wicker baskets, wooden benches, or clay planters bring warmth and organic texture to any porch, says Paxton.
    Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Both juries rejected a defense argument that Alkayyali was under the influence of sudden passion, and would have considered a term of two to 20 years if they were persuaded by the argument.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • In its place, the Fire Horse is galloping into view, calling us to approach life with passion and courage.
    Annabel Gat, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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