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 Except that on the second Friday in June, passionate collectors from all around the world will be clamoring for it. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 May 2026 With apologies to her talented band members and backup singers, her intensely passionate fans are the co-stars of the film. Mark Meszoros, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026 Deborah pecks her before reluctantly giving in to more passionate smooches. Erin Jensen, USA Today, 8 May 2026 By the end of the month, emotions intensify and a passionate conversation or intimate moment could completely transform the direction of your love life. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for passionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passionate
Adjective
  • What sets this masa harina apart is its distinct, intense corn flavor.
    Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 May 2026
  • Being confined to a wooden chair, wearing that impressive multilayered costume, in the intense heat of Gran Canaria.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • The first quarter was back and forth until the Aces got hot, going on a 13-0 run over a 90-second stretch to break open a double-digit lead fueled by six points from Carter.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • When simmered in water just hot enough to bring it to a safe temperature, the meat will be juicy and tender.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Language development, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and relationship-building all begin before age three.
    Tina Dello Russo, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
  • The set was an emotional roller coaster with four deuces and eight service errors by the Highlanders.
    Justin Vigil Zuniga, Daily News, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Blaszczyk, Cornelius and Salinas families were among approximately 10,000 people who saw Xonita Saturday and Sunday at the Waukegan Municipal Beach, excited to get a look, take pictures, and, in some cases, buy their own smaller versions of the bear.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
  • On Saturday at rookie minicamp, Mauigoa was asked about a video of Giants offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren getting excited when the team picked the Hurricanes standout.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Verdier says the increasing regulation in the car industry and the push to move away from fossil fuels are part of the reason why Ferrari is so enthusiastic about this project.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • Skaters ages 6-11 showed off their nose grinds, kickflips and wall rides to an enthusiastic early crowd.
    Tony Le Calvez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • But to our wonderful surprise, O’Hara is equally adept at slapstick hijinks, as the lustful ladies get sufficiently sozzled awaiting their mysterious beau.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 3 May 2026
  • And, no doubt, women in the original 1920s audience presumably had comparable lustful desires as the pair on stage; this was hardly the only Coward comedy of its era to be used for foreplay.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • State and federal taxes, seasonal demand and even more expensive fuel blends needed for warmer weather are all pieces of the pie.
    Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • When the weather gets warm, nothing satisfies quite like cold noodles in iced broth.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The young forward was a virtual unknown at the start of the campaign to all but the most ardent Wolves diehards.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 12 May 2026
  • The director, Pierre Salvadori, is described on the Cannes website as being an ardent devotee of the tradition of Ernst Lubitsch, Billy Wilder and Blake Edwards (though maybe only in France would that third name be yoked to the other two).
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Passionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passionate. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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