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 is reshaping the lodging market in World Cup cities across the US, which are expecting millions of visitors throughout the course of the tournament. Maya Davis, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026 She’s been spotted passionately soaking in performances from Jazmine Sullivan and Doechii with the fervor of a real music fan. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026 The hawks, as is their wont, have covered up this uncertainty with fervor. Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026 Caught up in the national fervor that summer, a rowdy group of lawless protesters made their way to Baltimore’s Columbus Piazza. Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • In his teaching, Weil conveyed his love for Russian literature’s very lengthy — and at times dark and depressing — novels with enthusiasm and aplomb, colleagues recalled.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Clinton did not elicit the same enthusiasm, nor the same level of support, that powered Obama to victory twice.
    David M. Drucker, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Lead with the shared goal, then explain the sticking point without blame, since precision helps others trust your intensity.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
  • And history suggests that returning is one thing, but recapturing the same intensity of viewership and fandom is another.
    Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • During the service, the archbishop and priests carried a cross down the cathedral’s center aisle in an emotions-stirring moment for those who witnessed the traditional procession.
    Holly Andres, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Lisa Lee meditates on translating emotion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Others were forced to choose between food, medicine and warmth, with some turning their thermostats down to 60 degrees and bundling up or coming out of retirement to take part-time jobs.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Your disciplined streak works best with warmth at the moment, so add kindness to every firm decision, and people should be more inclined to accept your guidance.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Both reflect a deep passion for a particular place—Johnson’s Middle Tennessee, Hiaasen’s South Florida—and a mixture of exasperation and grief at the destruction of the natural world to make room for megamansions and toxic waste dumps.
    Francine Prose, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The hometown kid Displayed in his unbridled passion, Perry lives in the moment.
    Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.

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