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
Rush, who held degrees from Princeton University and the University of California, Berkeley, had an adventurous spirit, per his obituary in the New York Times. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 13 June 2025 Rue was considered the most malodorous of all herbs, was even thought to keep away evil spirits, and was spread on church floors for this purpose. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 June 2025
Verb
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 Unfortunately, people can gravitate more toward selfishness, self-centeredness and being mean spirited. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spirit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirit
Noun
  • One such soul was Madeline Buol (1902–1986), a devout Catholic and beauty shop owner living in Dubuque, IA, right across the Mississippi River from Dickeyville.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • See, what’s not on the Niagara Falls/Buffalo brochure is that Buffalo’s got a whole lotta soul.
    Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • All upgrade Roku modes will now support Bluetooth Headphone Mode for private listening, and even the entry-level Select model will join the more premium models in enjoying faster and more responsive menus.
    John Archer, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The 71-footer is the first production yacht with Volvo Penta’s IPS hybrid-electric propulsion, which aims to reduce emissions by 40 percent via four navigation modes.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Think disco ball ghosts, skeletons lounging poolside, and heart-eyed skulls that belong on your gallery wall and your feed.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
  • Just a ghost in the RAM, stealing data or encrypting files until the system reboots.
    Camellia Chan, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • But in the last decade or so, Americans have come around to the herbaceous charms of these fortified wines—in spritzes, on the rocks—and liquor store shelves are beginning to reflect the kaleidoscopic range the category has to offer.
    Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 June 2025
  • In March, Huseynov was pulled over in Pleasant Valley for a traffic violation and was driving the same vehicle that was seen at the liquor stores, authorities said.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • This collection was taken by National Park Service photographers, who have captured federal public lands and wild critters across the Western U.S.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 6 June 2025
  • Social media video captured Thursday night showed dozens of cars leaving neighborhoods in the city’s south.
    Mohammed Tawfeeq, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • That really captured the essence of the dark ages and the medieval world.
    Joshua Lamb, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Quotable Time is of the essence for these students.
    Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, Howard seemed to be in a good mood after the game and embraced being an ambassador of his new league, engaging with fans and posing for selfies hours after the Miami 305 defeated his LA Riot squad 50-44 at Allstate Arena in Chicago.
    Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • For instance, dogs have been shown to help people develop self-confidence, confidence in others, empathy toward others and a positive mood.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • The series, originally from Monumental Television for the BBC in the UK, follows a young couple inherit a huge castle, only to find one of them can communicate with the various apparitions from history who already live there.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 June 2025
  • The listing appeared suddenly, like an apparition from the era when Yoshi’s reigned as the Bay Area’s premiere jazz venue.
    Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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