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 In the book, Orzabal describes a passionate but volatile relationship marked by frequent arguments. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026 One of the show’s most memorable moments was a passionate bed scene with costar Ted Shackelford, whose character, Gary Ewing, had a complicated relationship with Abby that kept viewers invested for years. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026 From food and television to skincare and clothing, the Korean wave has found a passionate new audience across Latin America — and in Chile, it is being reimagined by a generation of young fans. John Bartlett, NPR, 8 Aug. 2026 Bethany, who comes from a family of surfers, is incredibly passionate about the sport and has competed for years alongside her best friend, Alana Blanchard (Lorraine Nicholson). Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for passionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passionate
Adjective
  • Unlike e-commerce giants Amazon or Craigslist, Whatnot deliberately targeted a small but fervent base of collectors.
    Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • After spending last summer in the heat of Hong Kong and South Korea, where the Tottenham supporter base is large and fervent, opting for Australia and New Zealand offered a welcome change of pace.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Hundreds of firefighters are working long shifts to slow the Spokane Complex Fire ahead of hotter and drier conditions this weekend.
    Morgan Chesky, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Those works appear particularly timely, as parts of Europe continue to bear the brunt of one of its hottest summers on record, forcing some museums and monuments to partially or entirely close.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Venus enters Libra and your 3rd House of Communication, helping conversations feel smoother, warmer, and more persuasive.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • November 22 – December 21 Your social world gets warmer and more inviting.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • One player Nakase is excited to work with is someone her team was prepared to face on Friday night – Dallas star guard Paige Bueckers.
    Marisa Ingemi, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • This will also be its first year since 2024, when Latino Fest returned after a five-year break to excited crowds.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • An unusually intense El Niño event is gathering strength in the tropical Pacific in a hurry.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Thousands of Offers Nazareth University, located near Rochester, New York, is using direct admissions in part to reach those outside of the state where competition for students is particularly intense.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In March, the Miami Herald also joined Welty and the Croc Docs on a trip deep in the interior of the northern Everglades to track down lustful male pythons.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Zhengyi Bai’s lustful Monostatos, disguised in the production as a hammy vampire, almost steals the show a time or two.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Moon enters Gemini and your 4th House of Home and Family, bringing movement to household plans, family messages, private thoughts, or emotional memories.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • An emotional vigil was held in Garfield, New Jersey, on Thursday to remember two children who died after being swept into the Passaic River.
    Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • White's bad-boy heartthrob status has given way to many horny memes, as well as curiosity about his love life.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 25 June 2026
  • Her music owned up to being horny, garish, and superficial, but could scan as thin or cheap when held up to other kinds of ethical or political scrutiny.
    Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Passionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passionate. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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