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 Like a lot of his contemporaries, Skino’s raps depend on rhythmic stasis and the context and fervor of his disses more than his ability to assemble a rhyme scheme or a clever punchline. — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026 The rise of Graham Platner, the oysterman turned politician, really hinted at the populist anti-establishment fervor that was in the Democratic base. — Dustin Desoto, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026 Like many of those who believe, with evangelical fervor, in the gospel of American opportunity, Capra sprang from elsewhere. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 While a growing number of advocates say that ultraprocessing is dangerous to public health, skeptics counter that the fervor around the topic has become a moral panic, and insist that some ultraprocessed foods can be part of a healthy diet. — Garrett M. Broad, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • Jim warned Wednesday that Wall Street's enthusiasm following the midterm elections could prove short-lived.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
  • But Paxton and Abbott both lost, suggesting Musk's money wasn't enough to overcome a wave of enthusiasm that saw Democrats capture every statewide office in Texas.
    — Katie McQue, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The researchers also demonstrated that the chip could measure information contained in phase relationships that intensity-only measurements would miss.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • But as the music builds in intensity, the blues and bebop references in Lyons’ playing get swept up in a wave of interlocking patterns.
    — Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The cover art for The Holy Cross Tigers is awash in burgundy, a more ambiguous shade that’s indicative of the oppositional emotions stewing within.
    — Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026
  • This makes no technical sense, but we’re meant to ride the wave of catharsis and emotion here, not to ask pesky questions about how exactly a clockwork mechanism from 1939 is reprogramming bleeding-edge nanotech from 2026.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • But Madeley wanted to make sure that was placed alongside Heumann’s joy, warmth, humor, and vulnerability.
    — Kristen Lopez, IndieWire, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Unlike his ’80s productions, which sound understandably brittle by modern standards, the tracks Atkins dropped as Infiniti retain ample warmth and punch.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Evans's passion for golf and the Masters Tournament led them to incorporate elements from Augusta's clubhouse design.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • His passion for fashion eventually led him to work with some of the most illustrious clientele, with Jackie Kennedy and Twiggy just being a few.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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