passion

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as in crush
a strong but often short-lived liking for another person her passion passed when she got to know him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in feeling
passions plural general emotional condition people who are swayed by their passions and not by reason

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word passion distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of passion are affection, emotion, feeling, and sentiment. While all these words mean "a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation," passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

When is it sensible to use affection instead of passion?

The synonyms affection and passion are sometimes interchangeable, but affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

How are the words emotion and feeling related as synonyms of passion?

Emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling, encompasses both positive and negative responses.

the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence

When would feeling be a good substitute for passion?

The meanings of feeling and passion largely overlap; however, feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it.

the feelings that once moved me are gone

When can sentiment be used instead of passion?

The words sentiment and passion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.

her feminist sentiments are well known

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 passion Their passion has even spread to the rest of the family. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025 Entrepreneurs are first pulled toward their passion in all sorts of ways—whether that be through an overbearing parent, chasing a childhood dream career, or realization that a hobby can bring in millions. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025 Much like how Hailey and Justin Bieber dress, there is something charming about opposing couple style, and allowing each other to follow their individual tastes and passions, without blending into one bland unit. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2025 The collection was designed with the grace of ballet in mind, continuing to build on Louboutin’s passion for dance, which has been a source of inspiration for him since his days as an intern at Les Folies Bergère in Paris. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for passion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passion
Noun
  • While some people shared Musk’s enthusiasm, others criticized the decision.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Stein, for now, was happy to accept Dodge’s enthusiasm.
    Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Ruko 6088 Programmable Robot Inspire a love of technology, programming, and robotics with this interactive robot toy.
    Anja Webb, Parents, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Yet Melt, Zardoya’s solo debut as Not for Radio, plays like a love letter to the environment rather than a side quest for solo stardom.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Going into the finale, Billie has just learned that her crush, Quentin (Recker Eans), is actually an orc who was gaining her trust on behalf of an evil wizard named Lord Morsus.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Pooh Shiesty is not hiding his Hip-Hop crush.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Noah Fay, senior director of housing programs at another nonprofit that runs homeless shelters, said the desire to avoid disruptions for residents has to be balanced against the desire to keep beds full when unmet demand in Seattle is enormous.
    Ashley Hiruko, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2025
  • While the lack of benefits, risk of burnout and isolation are clear risks, Brown says the desire for flexibility is strong.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 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
  • In fact, there was a feeling that world football lacked not merely great teams, but great players.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Movement also helps reduce feelings of anxiety.
    Carley Millhone, Health, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There's so much joy and this entrepreneurial spirit and kind of lust.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025
  • True to his reputation as a naturalist, Shakespeare had transcribed a duet of love and partnership between two owls as part of a song of lust and merriment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 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

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Cite this Entry

“Passion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passion. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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