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 These twin influences, religious fervor and a preoccupation with dangerous men, would go on to define the next six decades of the director’s working life, finding expression as a conviction that even scoundrels are in possession of a soul. Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025 But as Maud's God begins to talk back, and her desperate pleas for divine intervention send her into fits of orgasmic fervor and desperate carnality, Glass hints at the depths of mania powering the nurse's dedication. Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025 Amazon’s latest announcement adds to the fervor around emerging technology’s potential to sharply decrease the need for office workers, leading to fears of large-scale job loss. Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025 The gentle Convery abruptly ages into Isaac, who steps into the role with the wide-eyed fervor of a man possessed. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • Experts in the field of veteran care share Worthington’s enthusiasm.
    Adam Stone, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
  • November 11, 2025 Chinese consumers were once flooded with enthusiasm over Valentine’s Day, the unofficial Cyber-Valentine’s Day (520) and tradition-rich Qixi.
    Yiling Pan, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Their weakness is an inability to maintain a consistent intensity throughout an entire game.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The country’s meteorological agency PAGASA upgraded the storm to a super typhoon on its intensity scale, recording maximum wind speeds of 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts of 230 kph (143 mph).
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The Mercury retrograde that backstrokes in Pisces from February 26 to March 20 makes our emotions extremely tender.
    Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 7 Nov. 2025
  • During her interview with host Jimmy Fallon, Lawrence was jokingly overcome with emotion and broke into dramatic sobs multiple times.
    Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Featuring three layers of high-density memory foam, the slippers also provide support that’s comfortable enough for all-day wear—not just warmth.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Despite its lightweight feel, the crew neckline and long sleeves provide cozy warmth, especially when buttoned up over a tank top or T-shirt.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Brought together by filmmaker Saúl Alvídrez, these two radical elders share passion, politics, and wisdom.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Despite challenges, including a PED suspension that forced him to miss the entire 2021 season while with the Mets, Canó’s passion for the game remains undiminished.
    Denny Alfonso, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

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