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 The Faithful is based on the Bible, and showcases a faithful dramatization of the Book of Genesis as told through the eyes of the courageous and passionate, yet flawed women. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2026 Both owners are passionate about their new venture. Sarah Kyrcz, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2026 Your 2nd House of Money activates as passionate Mars squares sudden Uranus in your 5th House of Bliss. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2026 The videos of the secretary, who has cultivated a passionate following on certain issues thanks to his Make America Healthy Again movement, have been posted to official channels of the Department of Health and Human Services. Chelsea Cirruzzo, STAT, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for passionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passionate
Adjective
  • The tempo of the strikes on Iran was so intense that state television announced that public mourning for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the conflict, would be postponed.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Noem received a warm welcome from Republicans and intense criticism from Democrats.
    March 4, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In the West, the temperatures were sometimes blazing hot.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Housed in this new 62,000 square-foot store is a full-service carnicería, a Panadería, a salsa and seviche bar, and hot food counter that will serve prepared foods like tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare.
    Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Seitz said the men had assaulted him, and that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and deputies had violated his civil rights, inflicted emotional stress, defamed him and conspired to keep the matter quiet.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
  • With Spoelstra appreciative of the emotional drain of the experience, as well as the eventual exhilaration.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The wedding may be in the past, but Law Roach is indeed excited for Zendaya’s busy future.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Santos’ 4-year-old daughter — and likely countless others — is already excited to don her first stethoscope.
    Hunter Boyce, AJC.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Blue Origin also weighed in, expressing enthusiastic support for the changes.
    Denise Chow, NBC news, 27 Feb. 2026
  • But Hogue did agree that Democrats this cycle are more enthusiastic than normal.
    John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 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
  • Kreigh Spring Welcome Porch Sign Create a warm ambience with this welcome sign that props up against your front door.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
  • January’s stronger-than-expected total was likely buoyed by some one-time factors (notably, weaker holiday hiring that meant fewer post-holiday layoffs, and unseasonably warm weather in the early part of the month that boosted industries like construction).
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Advertisement There’s no denying that the president has been a far more ardent champion of coal than his recent predecessors.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Neighborhoods won points for the warm tone of their posts, the frequency with which neighbors fulfilled requests for help and the ardent support of local businesses.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 27 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Passionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passionate. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on passionate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster