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 Additionally, the New Moon squares Jupiter in Cancer, expanding our sentimental and passionate horizons. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 20 Oct. 2025 Steinberg was passionate about philanthropy, supported HIV/AIDS research and patient care, including Macy’s Passport events raising money for HIV education, research and patient care, the AIDS Research Institute at UCSF and HIV clinics in Africa. David Moin, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025 Instructor Aaron Kirkham, with a peak rating of 2100 and years of teaching experience, is passionate about making chess accessible and enjoyable for all ages. Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025 To love your wildlife, to be passionate, to have that spirit of mateship and camaraderie with everyone. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for passionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passionate
Adjective
  • The intense taste and smell can make this tonic hard to stomach.
    Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Part of what spurred intense interest, according to sources, was the success of Weapons, Zach Cregger’s summer horror hit.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • From here, baking in the heat, general admission fans can watch elite guests queue for private hot laps, while VIP ticket holders dine at exclusive cantinas and hospitality areas.
    Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The increasingly inaccessible real estate market is a hot topic among would-be homeowners these days, leaving shoppers looking for alternative options in the form of rentals, nomadic living, and yes, tiny homes.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some do not have the emotional wherewithal to to observe that others have needs as well.
    Joni Eareckson Tada, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Players, coaches, executives and ownership groups have come and gone, but the team remains despite a lengthy and emotional relocation saga that nearly resulted in a move to Seattle.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There are so many people who are excited to have me back in some capacity as Superman.
    Charles Infosino, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Today, scientists are extremely excited about how AI can be used to predict the way molecules interact, transforming areas like drug discovery and materials science.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Lemonheads have played Cambridge parties to enthusiastic crowds of over a hundred people.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Over 2,500 enthusiastic Google reviews helped propel Ocean Reef Park to its top-tier designation.
    Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • King Princess talks the lustful, haunted anthems of 'Girl Violence' King Princess has had a remarkable 2025 thus far.
    Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 30 Sep. 2025
  • There is nothing quite so sluttish, apparently, as a lustful pistil.
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Nulu fabric is buttery-soft, sweat-wicking, and warm without overheating.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • First, warm soil temperatures combined with moderate air temperatures in early autumn create ideal grass seed germination conditions.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump met Milei at the White House two weeks ago, and the Argentine has emerged as one of the US leader’s most ardent supporters abroad.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The red carpet and awards ceremony celebrates footwear’s influential style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans.
    Katie Abel, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Passionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passionate. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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