Synonyms of spirit

spirit 1 of 2

noun

ˈspir-ət 

1

as in soul

an immaterial force within a human being thought to give the body life, energy, and power

the theological and philosophical belief that the spirit is superior to the body

Synonyms & Similar Words

• soul
• essence
• psyche
• vitality
• life
• being
• quintessence

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• body
• flesh

2

as in mode

a state of mind dominated by a particular emotion

had been in a combative spirit all week

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mode
• mood
• humor
• temper
• attitude
• cheer
• frame of mind
• feather
• heart
• perspective
• belief
• mind
• emotion
• viewpoint
• standpoint
• feeling
• outlook
• opinion
• conviction
• sentiment
• angle
• mind-set
• vein
• expression
• judgment
• individuality
• tone
• identity
• slant
• personality
• sensibility
• sensitivity
• temperament
• strain
• passion
• disposition
• responsiveness
• character
• selfhood
• makeup
• sensitiveness
• mettle
• self-identity

3

as in ghost

the soul of a dead person thought of especially as appearing to living people

Hamlet's late father appears to him in the form of a spirit and with the revelation that he was in fact murdered

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ghost
• apparition
• vision
• phantom
• wraith
• haunt
• materialization
• familiar spirit
• poltergeist
• specter
• vampire
• demon
• phantasm
• shadow
• sprite
• angel
• zombie
• spook
• visitant
• shade
• bogey
• ghoul
• hant
• daimon
• familiar
• genie
• genius
• double
• doppelgänger
• fetch
• succubus
• incubus
• jinni
• devil
• manes
• imp
• shaitan
• lemures
• fiend
• lamia
• cacodemon

4

as in liquor

spirits plural a distilled beverage that can make a person drunk

a hotel bar that's well stocked with spirits

Synonyms & Similar Words

• liquor
• drink
• alcohol
• booze
• juice
• stimulant
• lush
• sake
• bottle
• beer
• wine
• rum
• cocktail
• ardent spirits
• load
• brew
• ale
• firewater
• strong drink
• intoxicant
• vodka
• grog
• tipple
• hooch
• moonshine
• whiskey
• potable
• aqua vitae
• tequila
• sauce
• brandy
• John Barleycorn
• inebriant
• pop
• chaser
• gin
• snort
• aperitif
• shooter
• shot
• slug
• belt
• mum
• mixed drink
• tot
• bracer
• whet
• peg
• liqueur
• snifter
• malt liquor
• mead
• nightcap
• home brew
• nip
• mescal
• schnapps
• digestif
• brewage
• microbrew
• barley-bree
• Dutch courage
• nappy
• brewski
• mao-tai

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mix
• soda
• mixer
• nonintoxicant
• pop
• soft drink
• soda pop
• mocktail

spirit

2 of 2

verb

as in to capture

Related Words

• capture
• snatch
• impress
• abscond (with)
• seize
• crimp
• waylay
• hijack
• shanghai
• steal
• kidnap
• abduct
• cop
• catch
• take

Dissimilar Words

• deliver
• return
• restore
• redeem
• rescue
• ransom

Synonym Chooser

How is the word spirit distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of spirit are courage, mettle, resolution, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened.

her spirit was unbroken by failure

When might courage be a better fit than spirit?

While the synonyms courage and spirit are close in meaning, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When could mettle be used to replace spirit?

The words mettle and spirit can be used in similar contexts, but mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

In what contexts can resolution take the place of spirit?

Although the words resolution and spirit have much in common, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

How are the words tenacity and resolution related as synonyms of spirit?

Tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat.

held to their beliefs with great tenacity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of spirit

Noun

The reactionary spirit of mobsters was particularly useful to the authorities when left-wing politics gained steam in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Indeed, that very evening marked the final of a seven-night run at the original Fillmore, and sharing the stage with the spirit of the band comes in multiple vessels. — Benjy Eisen, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Verb

Misdirection is a tool that the Secret Service often uses, but this case is extraordinary considering the secrecy and methods deployed to spirit Trump out of Turkey. — Daniela Suarez, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026

The whiskey is distinguished by an unusually high proportion of pot still spirit, giving it a richer, spicier profile than many Irish blends. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing spirit

• familiar spirit
• free spirit