spirit 1 of 2

Definition of spiritnext
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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

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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
Yet in her new role as CEO of Hypergnosis, Anushka wants to pivot away from the invasive spirit of Duncan’s data operation and offer customers the opposite, the assurance of privacy protections in an industry that’s been steadily chipping away at them. Scott Tobias, Vulture, 10 May 2026 The council also exempted from SB 79 areas that are close to a transit stop but violate the spirit of SB 79 because residents can’t walk to it easily because of barriers like canyons, freeways or a lack of sidewalks. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
Verb
Em embodies that spirit perfectly. Mandeep Rai, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026 Residents, businesses and fans are invited to show their team spirit through generosity. Jake Allen, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spirit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirit
Noun
  • The act of singing with my sisters, Kara Jackson and Denitia, is a balm for my soul, and a wind at my back to keep on.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 8 May 2026
  • Beale Street in Memphis is best known for the blues, but the city was also the cradle of soul and rock ‘n’ roll and is one of the best places on the planet to catch live tunes today.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • In other playoff action yesterday, the Thunder are verging on a back-to-back sweep of their own as the Lakers hit panic mode.
    Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 10 May 2026
  • There’s a switch on the keyboard for selecting the connection method and, in Bluetooth mode, the keyboard can be paired with three separate devices.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • The big hits came from pinch-hitter Troy Johnston, who hit a double to right to score ghost runner Willi Castro, and Jake McCarthy, who drove in Johnston with a single to center.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 9 May 2026
  • And what about Ctenocheloides attenboroughi, a living species of ghost shrimp less than an inch long?
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Video showed Schwally at the liquor store buying two large bottles of an alcoholic Long Island iced tea cocktail.
    Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 11 May 2026
  • The girlfriend told police the argument was over her refusal to take him to a liquor store.
    Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Surveillance camera footage captured Mott scaling an 8-foot fence topped with barbed wire at the perimeter of the airport in just 15 seconds, then walking across the runway.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
  • Adjacent to the ace is franchise cornerstone Yordan Alvarez, captured mid-celebration after his heroic home run in Game 6 of the Houston Astros’ 2022 World Series victory.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • The aye-aye, in essence, became a woodpecker by primate standards.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
  • The Mario series was maturing alongside the greater video-game landscape, but its childlike essence remained—not through docile cuteness, but through a more grandiose fusion of wonder, whimsy, and wistfulness.
    Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Having to fight and co-exist with those hell-bent on spewing lies and attention-grabbing hyperbole only clouds up the room, ruins the mood and takes away minutes from those who have been tackling real problems that truly need their government’s help.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
  • Week by week, the mood in the narrow classroom was increasingly glum, the students trading whispered remarks when Darcy spoke.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • The peak of Mercury's apparition (for latitude 40 degrees north) and its greatest elongation from the sun don't occur until the middle of June.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 2 May 2026
  • The museum site has been a paranormal hotbed for decades, with sightings of apparitions, security camera footage capturing items flying off shelves, as well as experiences from staff members and visitors.
    Gregory Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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