spirit 1 of 2

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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

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
Aquaman is spirited without ever being particularly good. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025 The presence of trucks before the attacks has raised questions about whether any enriched uranium or centrifuges had been spirited away before the attack, something repeatedly claimed by Iranian officials. Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025
Verb
Cutwater opened a tasting room and kitchen in Miramar in 2017, which serves its cocktails, spirits and a mix of burgers, salads, flatbreads and sandwiches. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025 Its raw energy captured the spirit of the era and played a pivotal role in bringing grunge music to the mainstream. Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spirit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirit
Noun
  • Jackson carved them up in the passing game, then sapped their souls with his scrambles.
    Zak Keefer, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • That much is clear from the moment Freyne and Pat Cunnane’s high-concept script (a real Black List special) first drops us into the Hyatt-like Junction where souls process what’s happened and have seven days to pick their final destinations from a variety of convention floor displays.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Now supposedly dying from some terminal illness, Julian has gone total hermit mode inside of his cluttered London apartment, where the walls are festooned with the relics of his success and the backrooms are a junk pile of painful memories.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Twist the powertrain mode knob to Track, watch the digital dash retract itself to give you a cleaner view, then activate Launch mode via a console button, and prepare to have your sense of speed lightly warped.
    Sean Evans, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Video footage recorded by their owner Macie Lamb shows two pups, Ace and Tango growling at a decorative object that resembles a small ceramic dog wearing a ghost costume while holding a pumpkin in its mouth.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
  • But March’s family, which has seen their factory turned upside down by the ghost of a former employee, rejects the relationship.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Dumas was last seen on surveillance footage entering and leaving a liquor store with two women.
    Christine Pelisek, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • During meetings, Díaz de la Portilla would sometimes drink liquor out of a coffee mug or a paper cup, according to former staffers who spoke to the Herald on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation.
    Joey Flechas, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Police finally managed to capture Phillips after laying down spikes for his quad bike to run over after he was suspected of a burglary at a commercial address in Piopio.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
  • By combining co-creation, creator signals, and data systems, the company has built an engine for capturing information at scale and acting on it faster than rivals.
    Jamie Gutfreund, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • These metres break you down to your essence.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The bad news is that time is of the essence.
    Daniel Klein, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Perfectly roomy with a bit of effortless slouch for a relaxed feel, the Balance Bucket is available in both black and brown suede, plus black leather, to complement every mood and lifestyle.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Wrought-iron bed frames and de-silvered mirrors play into the mood of a seaside inn.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Ahead of the 500-year anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s apparition in Tepeyac, Mexico, the sculpture is embarking on a worldwide tour, with visits scheduled to Colombia, Puerto Rico and the Philippines, among other places.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
  • In Lockwood’s world, the apparition of a saint is not strictly strange.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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