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 In Hollywood overall, guilds have reacted with fervor, with writers and actors protesting at the company lot in Burbank. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2025 The fervor with which Stamp attacks the role was evident right from the first table read, according to his co-star Lesley Ann Warren. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2025 And amid the fervor, Peter Thiel is hosting a series of lectures in San Francisco on the Antichrist. Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025 The fervor for Denver Summit FC continues to grow. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • The fight scenes display mere curiosity about the sport but no enthusiasm for it or insight into its inner dimensions.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Subsequent drops—which happened in September 2024 and April 2025–were met with similar enthusiasm, causing certain stores to enforce purchasing limits.
    Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Other benefits of acupuncture were pain intensity reduction, an improvement of physical functions, and fewer anxiety symptoms.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • So there’s certainly more intensity and more gore.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Swift’s 149-show, five-continent expedition encapsulated a tsunami of emotions not just among her fans, but her own journey through a very public breakup, a fling and, as indicated by her engagement to Kelce, knee-buckling love.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Each verse is a heartfelt exploration of sorrow, capturing the complexity of human emotions in the face of separation.
    Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Honey ginger chicken with brown rice is easy to make and your home will be filled with aromas that hint of warmth and coziness.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • My focus was always trying to bring the kind of complexities of the kink world to the screen…trying to find the warmth in that community rather than be like Prince Albert, whips, chains, and gags.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Mae raised Burnett’s mother, Louise Creighton, in San Antonio, Texas, but Louise—who had a passion for the cinema, and a severe beauty reminiscent of Joan Crawford’s—harbored dreams of moving to Hollywood to become a columnist on celebrity culture.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Comey was, and is, doing what that NASA custodian was doing – serving his country with passion and pride.
    Billy Ray, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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