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 Wilde reflected on the intense scrutiny that surrounded her relationship with Styles, arguing that fans' strong reactions stemmed in part from the pop star's uniquely passionate fan base. Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026 Haitians have long been passionate supporters of Brazilian soccer. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026 About Penske Media Corporation Penske Media Corporation (PMC) is a leading global media and information services company whose award-winning content attracts a passionate monthly audience of more than 350 million. The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 18 June 2026 Those who have worked with him over the years describe him as intense and passionate, which stood out during his introductory news conference Thursday. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for passionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passionate
Adjective
  • As reigning champions Argentina returned to the World Cup stage Tuesday, there was no drive too long and no ticket too pricey for its most fervent fans.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 June 2026
  • Her fans are among the most fervent and devoted consumers on the planet.
    Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • That’s why everything looks different in a cold pool versus a hot shower.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • Either way, El Niño is likely to remain a hot topic throughout 2026.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • This tank top maxi dress is a warm-weather staple.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
  • El Niño isn't just moving warm water around randomly in the ocean.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • While the online retailer is serving up some excellent K-beauty deals—up to 40% off markdowns—our beauty editors are most excited about Medicube deals.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 23 June 2026
  • While the Athletics hosted the Angels in Sacramento, their Single-A affiliate minor league team, Stockton Ports, hosted lots of dads who were excited to take their kids, young and grown, out to the ball game.
    Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Katherine Guaramaco described the experience as one of the most intense of her life.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
  • The president highlighted the military operation in Iran that has proven deeply unpopular, and an immigration agenda that has provoked intense backlash.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • But in this one, the women are transgressive and lustful and violent and ridiculous and funny.
    Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026
  • From dazzling smiles and lustful dates to shocking eliminations and lifelong friendships, Love Island USA is back.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • What emotional content lies just below the surface?
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 21 June 2026
  • Fun dads often skip the emotional pregame.
    Jen Zamzow, CNBC, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • By its end, there is even less coherence between the characters and plotlines, diverging into a few pages from the perspective of a desperately horny lesbian crab.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Passionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passionate. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on passionate

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