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
  • Rosa Martínez, Margarito’s sister, remembered him as someone who was always passionate about his work and an inspiration.
    Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
  • 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, 16 Feb. 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
  • Within Disney, there is fervent hope the company can find a way to use its various properties to offer versions of the Super Bowl telecast that are tailored to different audiences, which could include sports die-hards or kids and families.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
  • To a dog, our fervent and prolonged goodbyes at the front door might seem as peculiar and impenetrable as the greetings of an orca do to us.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Tea is presented alongside the ritualistic high pour synonymous with Moroccan tradition, which is not only an enjoyable spectacle, but a gesture of warm welcome.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
  • This week’s storms are especially welcome because the statewide snowpack has been lagging after weeks of unusually warm, dry weather.
    James Ward, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The employee, a mother of two teen girls, warned about the filters and said the pressure on teen girls is intense.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
  • During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
    Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Kelly’s emotional two-dimensionality increases our anger on behalf of Pidgeon’s Carolyn, a vibrant professional woman who sees her life and her career toxified by the paparazzi and the press.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • For me, that connection is the emotional core of 17.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Doomed endorsements Trump has retained an ardent core of MAGA followers throughout his time in office, making his endorsement coveted in primaries.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
  • But both Guttenberg and Wasserman Schultz expressed hope that a reasonable proposal can meet the approval of the Second Amendment’s most ardent defenders.
    Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The evening Regal crowd was more enthusiastic than BAM’s afternoon set.
    Rachel Handler, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
  • If this sounds like the future, the El Paso incident is a reminder that the future has paperwork to contend with and that not everyone is enthusiastic.
    Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perfervid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfervid. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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