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 against data centers is spreading across the state. — Naomi Nix, Time, 29 Oct. 2026 Like a lot of his contemporaries, Skino’s raps depend on rhythmic stasis and the context and fervor of his disses more than his ability to assemble a rhyme scheme or a clever punchline. — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026 The rise of Graham Platner, the oysterman turned politician, really hinted at the populist anti-establishment fervor that was in the Democratic base. — Dustin Desoto, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026 Like many of those who believe, with evangelical fervor, in the gospel of American opportunity, Capra sprang from elsewhere. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • Splitter voiced consistent enthusiasm about Wilson’s growth from game to game.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Iommi’s key plans for his new lineup and record were to make sure the players brought a healthy dose of enthusiasm.
    — Katherine Turman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Periods of paralyzing coldness are punctured by moments of passionate intensity; abject declarations of love and remorse follow savage explosions; then come the coercion, denials, gaslighting, and escalations.
    — Jamie Hood, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Every Cup game counts toward both the standings and the race for a knockout spot, so expect playoff-level intensity.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Sovereign of the seas Wednesday's sinking carries a far more complicated set of emotions for Susan Gibbs.
    — Henry Larson, NPR, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Normalizing emotions may be effective in creating understanding and building rapport.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • But Madeley wanted to make sure that was placed alongside Heumann’s joy, warmth, humor, and vulnerability.
    — Kristen Lopez, IndieWire, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Unlike his ’80s productions, which sound understandably brittle by modern standards, the tracks Atkins dropped as Infiniti retain ample warmth and punch.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • And what really blew me away was their passion and their commitment to wanting to keep our theater program going.
    — Lisa Hughes, CBS News, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The brick-and-mortar foray arrives amid explosive online growth for 10-year-old Destree, which has parlayed Guyot-Arnault’s passion for modern and contemporary art into unique hats, handbags, jewelry and ready-to-wear, now its biggest category.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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