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
Agents intercepted text messages in which Facey and Sanchez talked about using a private plane to spirit away an underling who had narrowly avoided arrest in Anchorage, prosecutors wrote in the bail motion. Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025 After the stabbing, other co-defendants spirited Scholder from the crime scene to the gang’s clubhouse in El Cajon, prosecutors said. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2025
Verb
Even though Ruth’s memory sometimes falters, her spirit stays sharp. Ashley Vega, People.com, 7 July 2025 Light afternoon and evening showers didn't dampen spirits at Willie Nelson's annual picnic at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for spirit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirit
Noun
  • You are being offered so much energy and opportunity to let your soul express itself and radiate like a star.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • Simmons considered Ragsdale the heart and soul of her camp, both spiritual leader and educator.
    Frank Morris, NPR, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • At least a tease, with 22 points, mostly in attack mode.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • This helps explain why many people in fawn mode lose touch with their own needs and feelings.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • In the present, Belly whips the bracelet Jere brought her back from Cabo across the room and shuffles around campus like a ghost, seeing visions of him everywhere.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 16 July 2025
  • Also, the fact that Ken gets cursed by a crazy old ghost actually helps Momo in her alien abduction predicament, with Momo’s newfound spiritual abilities helping to curb Ken’s curse.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • There’s also a writing desk and a bar area, stocked with local beer and spirits, South African wines and my favorite, Kenya’s classic Amarula liquor.
    Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
  • DeAndre Williams, 22, was charged with first degree reckless homicide with use of a dangerous weapon for killing Romell Campbell, 41, at a West Capital Drive liquor store in September 2024.
    Ariela Lopez, jsonline.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • It was captured and taken to a rehabilitation center for cleanup.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025
  • The emotional moment, captured on video and shared with the world, ends in a tight embrace and tears.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Given that it is supposed to be a raw, honest re-telling of a couple finding light amid disaster, The Observer report called the very essence of the book into question.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 July 2025
  • In essence, branding is making that special impression that brings customers back again and again.
    Jon Stojan, Freep.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Spruce yours up with shelving for your plants, lighting to set the mood outside, and cooling accessories to keep you comfortable in the dead heat of summer.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025
  • In the early mornings, before witness testimony started, the mood was usually pretty jovial on the 26th floor.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • If the humor clicks with you, there’s joy to be had in accidentally setting yourself on fire over and over again while being chased by a Slenderman-like apparition made of Post-Its.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 19 June 2025
  • Venus reaches its point of greatest western elongation on June 1, at which time the dazzling 'morning star' will be at its most distant point from the sun in Earth's sky during its pre-dawn apparition.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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