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 Interview With the Vampire started out in its very first episode with whorehouses, tap dancing, an aerial make-out, passionate monologuing, and Lestat punching a hole through the back of a priest’s head in a burning church. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 7 June 2026 Amaya takes viewers on a journey through Los Angeles, meeting legendary players, passionate fans, community leaders, activists and entrepreneurs whose stories reveal fútbol as culture, family and belonging. Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 Although their Big Bang Theory characters were passionate about science, physics and Star Trek, their geek gang found romance, too. Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026 It’s supported by passionate customers, steady and reliable cash flows — every sports season comes with fresh fees — and it’s decentralized. Alex Sherman, CNBC, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for passionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passionate
Adjective
  • Cepeda was widely expected to advance to the second round as the only leftist candidate, coasting off of the fervent support from incumbent President Gustavo Petro’s base.
    Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 31 May 2026
  • The South is blessed with a bounty of delicious mayonnaise brands, each with their own evangelistic bands of fervent followers.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Volunteers cook a hot breakfast for up to 250 people each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday morning.
    Sharon Chin, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • The Spurs came out hot for the second consecutive game Wednesday, racing to a 41-22 lead by the end of the first quarter.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Set the scene Starting with wrap-around windows in the hotel lobby that frame the outside hustle and bustle, everywhere from the lounge to the elevators and suites have a warm, art-forward, and fresh vibe.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026
  • Pour the lot into a blender, add ice, and your Moscow mule becomes even more of a warm-weather lounge-fellow.
    Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Players such as Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox and Knicks forward OG Anunoby don't sound nearly as excited.
    Alejandro Avila, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
  • Studiously moderated, but excited, voices amplified news of the actual invasion of Europe read hastily in Orlando Morning Sentinel.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Thanks to more than 200 years of intense and virtuoso scientific work, what were once valid or at least plausible concerns and objections to vaccines have been overcome.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • Whether Tuchel will, in fact, be able to produce a more intense high-pressing style this summer, given the climate and the dense schedule, is another matter.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 10 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
  • Several jurors appeared emotional, covering their mouths.
    Dawn White, CBS News, 7 June 2026
  • Though there are still many unknowns regarding the full effect of ayahuasca on the human experience, if my own is any indication, the mental and emotional gates this plant can open seem promising.
    Michaela Trimble, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 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

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Cite this Entry

“Passionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passionate. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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