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
Still, Austen fans might balk a bit at how much this one goes off-script into its own territory, but the spirit of Austen runs deep. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 May 2025 These lowball glasses give a fashionable look to an old-fashioned or a splash of any spirit. Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 May 2025
Verb
Regular check-ins and team-building activities—even when done virtually—keep the team spirit alive and additionally foster a sense of belonging. Stoyan Mitov, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 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 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 moon’s connection to Mars presents the perfect opportunity to lay your soul bare.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Hard mode, for instance, increases resource scarcity and enemy aggression, offering a sterner test for seasoned players.
    Jason Bennett, Arkansas Online, 18 May 2025
  • Smartphone users should use night mode and no flash when trying to get pictures of the northern lights.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Her mother stalked the perimeter of the grave, faced with a philosophical question: how to take pictures of the ass of a ghost.
    Patricia Lockwood, New Yorker, 18 May 2025
  • One of my first ideas was wondering how a ghost could exist in contemporary society.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • According to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, liquor stores are only required to close on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2025
  • The bag had clothes, a speaker, candles, liquor, baby oil and Astroglide, Kaplan said.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Amid rewards of $20,000 for tips leading to an apprehension, more than 200 law enforcement personnel led by the Louisiana State Police are seeking to capture them and anyone helping them.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Satellite imagery captured what remained of a mangled 5,000-ton North Korean naval destroyer damaged during its launch ceremony this week, leaving the country's dictator distraught.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Palpatine returns Though his body may have been destroyed during the Battle of Endor, Palpatine survived in secret for years by transferring his essence to clone bodies.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 25 May 2025
  • Penny Hotel Williamsburg The intimate Penny Hotel, nestled in Williamsburg's core, perfectly captures the neighborhood's artistic essence.
    Malik Peay, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • The endorphins lifted my mood, and the physical challenge inspired me to rework my diet and make healthier choices.
    Brandi Watterson, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • And his aesthetic keeps pace with Brendan Mills’ excellent editing, in changing mood from the jittery, quick-cut, handheld first half to a steadier, more contemplative last act as Lu’s treks across the boroughs become longer and slower and exhaustion begins to set in.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • At the very end of Season 1, Peacemaker appears to be seeing and hearing his father's apparition; presumably Patrick will continue in that capacity and/or in flashbacks.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • As the music plays, apparitions of shamans and African tribal dancers begin to mingle with the crowd.
    EW.com, EW.com, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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