spirit 1 of 2

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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
The Bridgerton alum, fresh off his Richard II run, says Italy, cycling, spritzes, and spontaneous moments fuel his summer spirit. Moná Thomas, People.com, 25 June 2025 True respect for the Constitution means safeguarding the right to protest peacefully against disproportionate federal response, ensuring that the spirit of our Republic truly prevails. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025
Verb
Playing with texture is spirited without being too overbearing. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 13 May 2025 Tramell Tillman embodies that spirit completely—his portrayal of Milchick in ‘Severance’ is a masterclass in nuance, intensity, and innovation. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spirit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirit
Noun
  • Do not let your body define your soul, let your soul find your body.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 18 June 2025
  • Everything in my gut, everything in my soul, knows that this is the right look for this occasion.
    Essence, Essence, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • That's thanks to the flosser's two pressure modes (gentle and deep clean), two water flow settings (manual and continuous), and large reservoir with a wide mouth (for easy filling).
    Alexis Berger, SELF, 23 June 2025
  • The zoom claim may be a bit of a stretch as there is only a 1.5x digital zoom in 1080P mode, but no zoom in 4K mode.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Even in areas where plaintiffs theoretically have power—say, in mass tort litigation—Gatsby’s ghost lingers.
    Aron Solomon June 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
  • On the big screen, he's taken on a wide range of roles, from the titular antihero in Hellboy (2019) and a not-so-jolly Santa Claus in Violent Night (2022) to a friendly ghost dad in We Have a Ghost (2023) and a former race car driver in Gran Turismo (2023).
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Woman wearing long white dress dancing in low light holding bottle of liquor.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
  • The jury did convict Read of operating under the influence of liquor, and she was sentenced to one year of probation.
    Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • The scene, filmed by a friend's security camera, captured the surprise moment the sprightly puppy sprinted across the yard and makes a splash without hesitation.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
  • In the latest example, a Shanghai historic building moved by robots is capturing global attention.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • In essence, all this accomplishes is to enable some devious shopkeepers to charge their fellow Jews even more money in these challenging times for adhering to dietary laws.
    Michael Isaacson, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
  • Peter Orner, Still No Word from You: Notes in the Margins (Catapult) Orner is a virtuoso of subtlety, nuance, and essence.
    Donna Seaman June 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • For instance, a couple months ago, dishwashers told White that listening to music while working would significantly improve their mood.
    Brit Morse, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • Providing Personalized Mental Wellness Beyond healthcare or entertainment, the first widespread use of BCI may be for personalized mental wellness—real-time mood regulation and cognitive optimization.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • But the 2025 apparition of Mars has been one of the poorer and more distant ones in the planet's 15-to-17-year cycle of oppositions near and far.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 13 June 2025
  • There also might be a few Netflix apparitions, like the would-be Nancy Meyers comeback rom-com.
    Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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