spirit 1 of 2

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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spirit

2 of 2

verb

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

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 spirit
Noun
Known for his humility, gentle spirit, prudence, and warmth, Pope Leo XIV's leadership offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our educational mission. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 Known for his humility, gentle spirit, prudence and warmth, Pope Leo XIV's leadership offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our educational mission. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 8 May 2025
Verb
The battle in the slot between the third-year Joseph and the early enrollee Toney has been particularly spirited. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025 In 2022, the National Archives recovered fully 300 highly confidential, classified government documents Trump had spirited away to his Mar-a-Lago resort. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spirit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirit
Noun
  • Two graduate students, Alice and Peter, must travel to hell in order to save their professor’s soul, and yes, there’s a bit of will-they-or-won’t-they romance.
    Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
  • The soundtrack is loaded with classic rock and soul, and practically every scene references the films of that era — particularly gritty crime thrillers like Charley Varrick and The Outfit — or period pieces set around the same time.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Plus, the four-player local multiplayer mode failed to impress.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 1 May 2025
  • The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver a captivating soundscape, ultimate noise cancellation and immersive spatial audio mode.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • The Avs needed to trade Rantanen to shake up the locker room, but MacFarland landed terrific regular-season players who turned into postseason ghosts.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 May 2025
  • Other fake executive orders included pardoning author J.K. Rowling and outlawing ghosts.
    Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 4 May 2025
Noun
  • While Unicorn is becoming a high-end investment platform for some, Marquis, 36, a bartender at the Franklin Tap who lives in Uptown, is using it more like an exotic corner liquor store and has multiple bids in this week’s auction.
    Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • In return, Holden helped Korean American business owners acquire liquor permits in L.A., turning the area into one of the city’s hot spots for nightlife after businesses faltered during an economic slump in the early 1990s.
    Jaimie Ding, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • The attack left about 1,200 people dead, and militants captured Alexander and some 250 others to hold hostage. 'Greatest gift': Family of NJ's Edan Alexander heads to Israel as Hamas agrees to release How many hostages remain in Gaza?
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Each mirror panel captures the body mid-process—being measured, considered, and eventually fortified.
    Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Each formula is powered by the nourishing properties of guava fruit essence and Kakadu plum extract—two superfruits rich in vitamins A and C, known to support scalp health, restore hydration, and help prevent breakage.
    Essence, Essence, 13 May 2025
  • La Pinta, the expedition yacht There is simply no better way to get to the heart of Galápagos’ true magic and essence than aboard a ship—and none is better equipped for that task than La Pinta.
    Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • However, the general mood around the club is one of confidence.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 May 2025
  • The new month brings a fresh wave of music that spans every mood and genre—just in time to refresh your playlist.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • As the music plays, apparitions of shamans and African tribal dancers begin to mingle with the crowd.
    EW.com, EW.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • But Evan Mobley fills those margins with his apparitions of length.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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