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, 16 Mar. 2026 First, we were struck by the candidate’s very passionate, dynamic and curious profile, and by the energy that came through in the motivation letter and throughout the application. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 Mar. 2026 Somehow, though, the passionate extroverted character triggered something deep inside Penn; his Milk is occasionally awkward, incredibly warm, and fearlessly energetic. Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026 Maxwell is especially passionate about chamber music, embracing every opportunity to collaborate with strong, like-minded peers. Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for passionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passionate
Adjective
  • The strike caused an intense fire at the hospital, with footage from local television showing rescue crews combing through the wreckage with flashlights late into the night as firefighters struggled to extinguish the blaze.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Mar. 2026
  • However, the constant tension on my hair can have my curls feeling dry and in need of intense moisture.
    Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Idyllwild peaked at 87 degrees on Wednesday, hotter than the previous record of 75 degrees in 2004.
    City News Service, Daily News, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The 28-year-old swung a hot bat before his injury and is 4 for 5 with the pair of extra base hits since his return.
    Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Through no fault of Newton’s, Faith functions less as a second protagonist than a prop to give Grace more emotional investment in the proceedings by saddling her with guilt over their estrangement or opportunities to nobly sacrifice herself.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The eight include physical, but also spiritual, social, environmental, occupational, financial, emotional and intellectual.
    Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Nicole Hensley came to Ball Arena a year ago, proud and excited to be part of the first PWHL game in her hometown.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026
  • So excited to have properly chilled wine.
    Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The first screening was at Sundance, and there was a very enthusiastic reception.
    Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
  • But analysis about its debut was less enthusiastic.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This Valentine’s Day, why not treat yourself to a perfume that beckons lustful strangers in a way not seen since Monica Bellucci at that Sicilian piazza in Malèna.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The two admit to having always loved each other (that's not a spoiler; the book is nearly 200 years old) and begin a steamy, lustful affair.
    Amanda Luberto, AZCentral.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The afternoon will be about 10 degrees warmer than normal, with temperatures climbing into the middle to upper 80s.
    Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
  • When the weather’s warm, plate up a snack in the open-concept kitchen to take outside—the views of the surroundings fields and forests are unparalleled.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The connection between the antisemitic rhetoric and antisemitic violence is becoming hard to deny, even for the most ardent apologists.
    Nolan Finley, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Remedios gave an ardent performance during episode 2 of season 29 of The Voice this month.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Passionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passionate. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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