Definition of passionatenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word passionate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of passionate are ardent, fervent, fervid, impassioned, and perfervid. While all these words mean "showing intense feeling," passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion.

a passionate denunciation

When could ardent be used to replace passionate?

While in some cases nearly identical to passionate, ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm.

an ardent supporter of human rights

When is it sensible to use fervent instead of passionate?

Although the words fervent and passionate have much in common, fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal.

fervent good wishes

When is fervid a more appropriate choice than passionate?

While the synonyms fervid and passionate are close in meaning, fervid suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion.

fervid love letters

When can impassioned be used instead of passionate?

The words impassioned and passionate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression.

an impassioned plea for justice

When might perfervid be a better fit than passionate?

The words perfervid and passionate can be used in similar contexts, but perfervid implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings.

perfervid expressions of patriotism

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 passionate Kepner is passionate about accountability and service journalism and encourages anyone to reach out to her to tell their story or share a tip. Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 24 Jan. 2026 Pretti was also passionate about the outdoors A competitive bicycle racer who lavished care on his new Audi, Pretti had also been deeply attached to his dog, who died about a year ago. Michael Biesecker, Twin Cities, 24 Jan. 2026 Both ends, very passionate on Villa Park’s end, very passionate on our end. David Delgado, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026 While the tradition of honoring one of the county’s most passionate educators dates back to 1967, King began hosting the finalists at her home after winning the title. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for passionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passionate
Adjective
  • This period of intense study laid the groundwork for what would later become known as the Korean New Wave.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Shares fell during his time in government but rebounded sharply in December, reaching a record high amid intense market interest in AI.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Although all the signs are there that the charter market is particularly hot in 2026, there are still yachts available to charter in the eclipse’s path.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The other new entries are DSquared2 (which featured a hot celebrity) and Dolce & Gabbana (which generated heated controversy for its model casting).
    Luke Leitch, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Specifically, kids this age are developing key emotional regulation skills, such as tolerating disappointment, embarrassment, as well as frustration and anger.
    Liz Regalia, Parents, 31 Jan. 2026
  • In an emotional interview, the original fan favorite also comes to terms with his previous disappointing outings.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Bowe is excited for the 2026 Winter Games — particularly the return to fans in the stands, as they were still barred from attending in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Strassler is particularly excited about the study of radioactive thorium-229 decay, which could reveal variations in the fundamental constants.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Obermann is especially enthusiastic about the color for a child’s bathroom.
    Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Selig’s comments received an enthusiastic response from the Coalition for Prediction Markets.
    Contessa Brewer, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Yes, Netflix's Regency-era romance drama (Season 4 Part 1 now streaming) has returned for a new year of lustful glances, hopelessly star-crossed lovers and absolutely absurd balls for a fourth go-round, this time with a story all about the second Bridgerton son, Benedict (Luke Thompson).
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Just don’t make the mistake of thinking that all the girls from 20 to 54 who haven’t glanced in your direction in 25 years are suddenly going to swoon with lustful gazes.
    Oc Register, Oc Register, 18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Writing a novel is a solitary experience but not writing one is even more so, without the occasional call from an editor or marketing person to keep me warm.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • An hour in McIntyre’s company is a warm, convivial whirlwind of enthusiasm, jokes and anecdotes.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Her love for the arts, particularly the theater, was reflected in her quiet but ardent support of many community arts activities and institutions, and is continued by today’s Bee, which supports a wide variety of arts programs.
    Seán McMahon, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • But occasionally even the most ardent Noguchi lantern devotees need to find something just a bit, well, different.
    Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 22 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Passionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passionate. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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