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 This is a passionate day for romantic partners. Georgia Nichols, Dallas Morning News, 11 Apr. 2026 On the unseasonably cold spring morning, Guthrie was greeted by a small but passionate group of fans with signs and t-shirts emblazoned with pictures of Nancy and messages of support. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026 This is the story of why one of the most passionate fanbases in professional sports will do just about anything to get a piece of their history. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026 This area of the country, the Carolinas, is very passionate about basketball. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for passionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passionate
Adjective
  • Finally, consistent physical activity is more important than intense exercise.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The songs on the last few Bon Iver albums often sound like excerpts from a longer dialogue, at turns offhanded and intense, among collaborators.
    Mitch Therieau, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • On April 18, that reverence will look like music, laughter and a line of people waiting for something hot out of the fryer — a simple plate carrying stories from across the world, all landing in one place.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Barred from his high school basketball team due to his temper, a hot-head, street-baller battles demons from his past and present to earn a spot on a summer league team and his last shot at a college basketball scholarship.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Is there an emotional component for you at this moment?
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • From the opening scene of the family’s move to town, the soft and wistful light shapes the film’s emotional world.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • People have been particularly excited about your chemistry with Steve Carell.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 13 Apr. 2026
  • After a four-year hiatus, creator Sam Levinson was excited to take the high-school characters into adulthood.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Boomer is particularly enthusiastic to introduce the world to the latter actress, who previously appeared in Steven Spielberg's The Fabelmans and Prime Video's Hunters.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Chinese people, particularly younger ones, have long been enthusiastic about wordplay.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 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
  • Sweet, savory, warm and dependable.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The most ardent supporters of the KMT, a political party opposed to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, are often members of older generations who continue to identify culturally as Chinese.
    Michelle Kuo, The Dial, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Even the most ardent proponents of AI are concerned.
    Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Passionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passionate. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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