spirit 1 of 2

Definition of spiritnext
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4

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
It’s also warmed by the collaborative spirit of the farm families — particularly the women — and rocks things up considerably when its central characters move to town, where many of the young women get their first tastes of (relative) independence. Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026 Although Haiti wound up losing 2-1 after a pair of late Peru goals, its fans never lost their spirit. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 June 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
  • But Whitfield has also branched out into country, jazz and deep soul.
    Brett Milano, Boston Herald, 29 May 2026
  • And the Mass, in its very Catholic nature, is really focused on … repose for the departed, to bring their souls from purgatory to heaven in the afterlife.
    Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • The second is going full out, plunging into the vacuum with such enthusiasm that dormant modes are made odd and affecting again.
    Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
  • It is believed that Baltyuor’s vision for the fest going forward clashed with Pandya Malhotra’s mode of operation, according to sources.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • The ghost called Sidhangana, who acts as chorus, is the rainbow.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • The series was an anthology hosted by the titular Frankelda, the ghost of an aspiring horror writer, who told stories about children encountering the paranormal.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • But people more commonly associate sports with beer, Nesin said, so the World Cup will be a bigger boost to their business than liquor.
    Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
  • One person was taken to the hospital after a fire broke out early Monday at a bar and liquor store in Chicago's Irving Park neighborhood.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • As part of our Language of Soccer World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to supporters of all 48 nations competing at the 2026 edition to capture their unique football culture, distilled into a single phrase.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • The places featured here, selected by local editors, highlight just some of the landmarks and destinations that capture the region’s significance as the nation marks 250 years.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • After Mamdani captured the nomination last summer, Lander was reportedly angling to become first deputy mayor—in essence, chief lieutenant—in the new administration.
    Russell Berman, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026
  • That essence of the girl who feels worthless and fears she’ll be found out by everyone still exists in Yasmin in Season 4.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Designers have traded the exclusively minimalist mood of recent summers for options that encourage self-expression.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 June 2026
  • Different gut microbes also support our health in various ways, Preidis said — including optimizing nutrient absorption from food, regulating the immune system and communicating with our brain to control sleep and mood.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Venus, on the other hand, reaches its highest altitude in the western evening twilight during June for this current apparition and captures the gaze of millions.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 5 June 2026
  • That late-game run––forty-four points to the Cavs’ eleven––was as soul-crushing to Cleveland as the apparition of Willis Reed, hobbling to center court, had been to the Lakers fifty-six years ago.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 30 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on spirit

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster