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 Two students on the same debate team, for instance, might be passionate about it for entirely different reasons. Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 An important entry to the New Queer Cinema canon, Kar-wai’s drama is passionate, moody, and deeply evocative, tracing the jagged edges of an on-again, off-again romance in seedy 1990s Buenos Aires. Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026 Ciara Miller and Tefi Pessoa are the co-hosts of Love Island USA Aftersun, and both have taken to social media to push back on criticism from the passionate fanbase. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 28 June 2026 Scotland and its passionate fans are waiting for lots of things to go right to make the knockout stage in a long shot bid with three points. ABC News, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for passionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passionate
Adjective
  • Goldberg, a fervent fan of the Boys in Blue, is the founder of the Echo Park Spiritual Outreach community, Nefesh.
    Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • Rivaling artificial intelligence super PACs are seeking to affect the candidacy of Alex Bores, a New York state Assemblyman, who has been a fervent supporter of AI regulations.
    Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 23 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
  • Indie Shakes managing director David Melville distills his production around scenes of intense conflict.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • As the planet warms, extreme heat events are becoming more common, intense and long-lasting.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 1 July 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
  • The expansion’s Council proponents have never really addressed this point beyond emotional appeals to the plight of overburdened tenants.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
  • The emotional beats are incredible but don't linger for too long and the humor is great for both kids and parents.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 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 1 Jul. 2026.

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