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 His meatier responses become news stories, and few have traveled so far, or with such fervor, as his 2023 diatribes eviscerating ChatGPT. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 29 July 2025 The dispute has since had major political consequences for Thailand and stoked nationalist fervor in both countries. Helen Regan, CNN Money, 24 July 2025 Executive actions reinterpreting rules like WOTUS or emissions standards are options, avoiding lengthy rulemaking battles and legal challenges with the same fervor usually found on the other side. Clyde Wayne Crews Jr, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 The case gripped Australia The bizarre and tragic case has lingered in the minds of Australians and has provoked fervor among the public and media. Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • Institutional enthusiasm for digital assets is rising, and the U.S. regulatory climate has grown friendlier, even as the economics of mining face more pressure from bitcoin’s quadrennial halving.
    Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The market has been buoyed by a strong corporate earnings season and undeterred investor enthusiasm about AI.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • La Costa’s group fitness classes span everything from yoga, spin, and Pilates to power boxing, high intensity interval training, and cardiovascular boot camp.
    Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Cuomo would also have to demonstrate to the public how detrimental a Mamdani win would be to New York City and the Democratic Party, and deliver a higher level of intensity and passion in his messaging.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • If conflicts are neatly resolved or avoided altogether, if every emotion is met with perfect affirmation, children may lose the opportunity to practice one of the most important developmental skills: learning to connect with people who are not programmed to go along with them.
    Marc Fernandez, IEEE Spectrum, 21 Aug. 2025
  • This con was designed to bypass human logic and hijack human emotion.
    Michael Cannivet, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The whole operation exudes good vibes; the sultry Recife sun is not the only source of warmth in the room.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Skims’ heavyweight fleece fabrication is designed with warmth, durability and elevated comfort in mind, projecting into the forthcoming fall and winter seasons.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Jones was keen to capitalize on the boundless passion Americans had at the college level, and introducing pep rallies was a big way to entrench fans into the world of the Cowboys.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Captain Joe touched the lives of many with his kindness, passion, and love for the water.
    David Goodhue August 18, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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