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
  • True to its name, the pub in Overland Park housed more than 100 passionate and prideful Dutch supporters who came together to watch the Netherlands face Japan in what some are calling the game of the World Cup so far.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026
  • But the real tragedy is that the world lost a true artist, a passionate and gifted story teller, and a radiant light that shined upon so many of us.
    Austin Mullen, NBC news, 15 June 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
  • As reigning champions Argentina returned to the World Cup stage Tuesday, there was no drive too long and no ticket too pricey for its most fervent fans.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 June 2026
  • Her fans are among the most fervent and devoted consumers on the planet.
    Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Two rescues within the past week in San Miguel County are a reminder about preparation in Colorado's mountains as the arrival of warm weather means more people in the mountains.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 18 June 2026
  • The service The service is maybe a touch more reverential than other Four Seasons outposts, but interactions are warm and friendly.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Being in the C-suite is a high-pressure job with long hours, board responsibilities, and intense scrutiny.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 17 June 2026
  • Within the hour, all firefighters were called off the roof and out of the building because of the danger posed by the intense flames and the ammonia leak.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Astronomer and UFOlogist Jacques Vallée appears to shed additional light on Juan’s story, and dramatic effects sequences dramatize the emotional impact of his close encounter.
    Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 13 June 2026
  • Diesel — who starred in the debut film with Paul, before the actor died at 40 in a fatal 2013 car crash — thanked Meadow for attending in an emotional speech before the screening.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • The effect of Gaza on these particular swing voters lingers painfully in the thoughts of Harris’s most ardent supporters.
    Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
  • His Bernstein had visceral, vernacular punch; his Verdi was ardent and spry; his Britten had the right textural grit; his Mozart unfurled with complicated grace.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Siskel panned it, but Ebert gave it an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
    Linnea Wicklund, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
  • His soft opening events have brought in enthusiastic batters and sports fans.
    Jenna Thompson June 18, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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