Definition of perfervidnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word perfervid different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of perfervid are ardent, fervent, fervid, impassioned, and passionate. While all these words mean "showing intense feeling," perfervid implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings.

perfervid expressions of patriotism

When might ardent be a better fit than perfervid?

The words ardent and perfervid can be used in similar contexts, but ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm.

an ardent supporter of human rights

In what contexts can fervent take the place of perfervid?

While in some cases nearly identical to perfervid, fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal.

fervent good wishes

When can fervid be used instead of perfervid?

The words fervid and perfervid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fervid suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion.

fervid love letters

When would impassioned be a good substitute for perfervid?

The synonyms impassioned and perfervid are sometimes interchangeable, but impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression.

an impassioned plea for justice

When is it sensible to use passionate instead of perfervid?

While the synonyms passionate and perfervid are close in meaning, passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion.

a passionate denunciation

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 perfervid The scant paintings on view reverse an emphasis on figurative imagery in the 2019 Biennial, tilting toward a lately prevalent revival of abstraction in perfervid styles that have yet to demonstrate staying power. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2022 This latest controversy won’t dent Thomas’s formidable reputation as a jurist, but it’s another mark against his perfervid critics who have no decency. Rich Lowry, National Review, 1 Apr. 2022 So why, with all this perfervid material at her disposal, did the director, Haifaa Al-Mansour, and her co-screenwriter, Emma Jensen, opt for such cautiousness? Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 May 2018 Down south near San Diego, gray-faced children toil in a slave-labor camp that Dickens could not have imagined in his most perfervid dreams. Joe Morgenstern, WSJ, 4 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfervid
Adjective
  • Kepner is passionate about accountability and service journalism and encourages anyone to reach out to her to tell their story or share a tip.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Most importantly of all, the goal of an actor is to share it, have people see it and have strong, passionate feelings about it — good and sometimes bad.
    Scarlett Harris, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • At Fox, Collier became known for his passional embrace of blockchain, NFTs and the whole Web3 space.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 10 Nov. 2022
Adjective
  • Korean Messiah follows not only the family that rose to absolute power in Pyongyang, but also an American Presbyterian missionary who built a fervent following in the early 19th century.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, by far the Administration’s most fervent anti-Maduro ideologue, cautiously described the leader’s capture as a law-enforcement operation.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Set up your own cafe with deals on this convenient one-cup coffee maker and best-selling milk frother, plus keep your coffee hot all day with this mug warmer.
    Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Further, thanks to the faux fur lining and waterproof leather exterior, your feet remain toasty warm and completely dry, no matter the conditions.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Show producers in the documentary remember that things got so intense behind the scenes that the shows would even steal guests from each other, going to the hotels where guests stayed during filming to poach them.
    Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
  • But the process of going through permits and working with the restoration company was intense.
    Conor McGill, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That increase has come with a financial strain and emotional stress for families across the country and in North Carolina.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Her relationship with Kerr hits several bumps, giving Blunt the chance to showcase her emotional range in tense scenes.
    Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, both ardent Trump allies, have been vocal in criticizing Powell over the project.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The ardent fan can’t expect this running game to produce 164 yards in its current state; the reasonable fan of any NFL team can’t expect to go 10-for-18 on third- and fourth-downs, either.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • View gallery - 9 images Designed as a permanent home for a couple of enthusiastic travelers, the Bespoke Base doesn't compromise on comfort.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Jan. 2026
  • McNally’s enthusiastic endorsement of Altadena and its agrarian and esthetic charms led wealthy families from the Midwest and East to [build] their winter homes in Altadena.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Perfervid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfervid. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!