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 love goes both ways; Fanning credits the fervor of the Hunger Games fanbase with helping her land the role of Effie Trinket. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Aug. 2026 And then, about two decades ago, another wave of younger collectors emerged who helped spread the fervor around America, such as the fashion designer Reed Krakoff, Moda Operandi cofounder Lauren Santo Domingo, and Dasha Zhukova. Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026 In Year One, the Valkyries made history by reaching the playoffs and becoming the most valuable WNBA team, thanks to fan fervor surrounding the team. Jose Fabian, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 Some analysts warn that instead of provoking discontent, the attacks could fuel stronger anti-Ukrainian and anti-Western fervor. ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • The convention -- part rally, part fundraiser -- comes as Republicans try to boost enthusiasm heading into the final stretch before Election Day.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The move was sure to spark criticism that the president was paying Americans to vote Republican as the party struggles to match Democrats’ enthusiasm and faces a challenging midterm outlook.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • From increasing the intensity of wildfire seasons to worsening natural disasters, climate change is far from a distant future.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • But as the leaves begin to change color, so does the intensity that comes with September baseball.
    Jesús Cano, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • An advanced ovarian cancer diagnosis can turn life upside down — often bringing a flood of new terms, decisions and emotions all at once.
    Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 9 Sep. 2026
  • During a previous appearance on the Off the Vine podcast, Thurston revealed her complex emotions about not being able to carry a child after her breast cancer diagnosis.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors bring in ample light and overlook the backyard terrace’s heated pool, outdoor shower, and fireplace, while dimmable cove lighting furthers the warmth.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Spices like ginger add warmth, pungency, and peppery sweetness to a variety of dishes.
    Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Her passion, determination and single-minded focus had completed the deal.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The pallid grayness of Mike Eley’s cinematography is probably supposed to mimic the finality of HIV/AIDS taking hold, but there’s no passion aesthetically to counterbalance what becomes absolute misery onscreen to watch.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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