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 Born and raised in Florida, McEnany described herself as usually passionate about politics from a young age, crediting family conversations for shaping her ambition. Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 17 May 2026 The Bills are breaking in a brand new stadium with one of the most passionate fanbases in football behind them. Mark J. Burns, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 The two wind up crossing paths again and hooking up much more intensely, in a sweaty and passionate bout of lovemaking that sets the stage for a true romance. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026 The powerful story of a group of passionate mothers who unite to create the first public dyslexic school in New York City, the largest school district in the country. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for passionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passionate
Adjective
  • There is a brightness and its opposite, not darkness but another brightness, just as intense.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
  • Paxton voters are more intense in their contempt for Cornyn than vice versa.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • And, if possible, make out with other hot transsexuals on your way.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
  • Fans attending games will also be subject to the urban heat island effect, when major cities become significantly hotter than nearby rural areas.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Adjective
  • Stronger communities are built when mental-health services move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches and recognize the emotional, social, cultural and practical realities people face every day.
    Maria Bledsoe, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026
  • Mercury enters Gemini in your 4th House of Home, bringing attention to family logistics, living space, and the emotional weather behind closed doors.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • These customer success stories have got investors excited.
    David Prosser, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • A lot of kids were excited to see the live painting, because now kids are used to being on their phones.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • The audience broke into cheers twice during the screening of the home-invasion thriller before giving the French pic wildly enthusiastic applause as the lights went up.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 22 May 2026
  • Ordinarily, the Texan midfielder is a relentlessly enthusiastic presence in the American locker room.
    Leander Schaerlaeckens, New Yorker, 22 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
  • Insider tip Stephanie, the innkeeper, is an innkeeper in the truest sense—warm, soft-spoken, and genuinely concerned about guests’ well-being.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
  • In warm weather, your kitchen can get unpleasantly hot when cooking in a standard oven.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • San Diego County has been among the state’s most ardent MCRT supporters.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026
  • But everyone — from the most ardent fan all the way up to the owner who signs the checks — had to endure it.
    Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Passionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passionate. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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