fervor

noun

fer·​vor ˈfər-vər How to pronounce fervor (audio)
1
: intensity of feeling or expression
booing and cheering with almost equal fervorAlan Rich
revolutionary fervor
2
: intense heat
Choose the Right Synonym for fervor

passion, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, zeal mean intense emotion compelling action.

passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

gave in to his passions

fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.

preaches with fanatical zeal

Examples of fervor in a Sentence

As Nina has grown more observant, Andras has become distanced from her. Her religious fervor doesn't interest him. Coming to tradition late, Nina has all the pedantry of an autodidact. Her strivings seem inauthentic to Andras, and not at all spiritual. Allegra Goodman, Kaaterskill Falls, 1998
Certainly being the son of a pastor had contributed to Vincent's religiosity, but in time even his father was disturbed by the growing intensity of his son's fervor. Michael Kimmelman, New York Times Book Review, 12 Aug. 1990
In her renewed fervor, Norma fears that the past decade has turned women inward, away from one another, and away, too, from the notion that solidarity among women is ultimately a source of personal strength. Anita Shreve, New York Times Magazine, 6 July 1986
Reciting, her voice took on resonance and firmness, it rang with the old fervor, with ferocity even. Eudora Welty, One Writer's Beginnings, 1983
The fervor surrounding her campaign continued right through election day. The novel captures the revolutionary fervor of the period.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In a world of plastic consumer goods, avoiding the material entirely requires the fervor of a religious conversion. Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2024 The fervor with which people have speculated about what Swift would do is striking, considering that celebrity political endorsements appear to be a mixed bag with relatively narrow effects. Constance Grady, Vox, 12 Sep. 2024 These may not be radio hits, but they’re sung with platinum-level fervor by his devoted audience — a testament to his rapid rise. Yoh Phillips, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2024 Case in point: Fenty—who served as mayor of Washington, D.C. from 2007 to 2011—described his approach to deal flow with fervor. Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fervor 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fervour, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French fervur, from Latin fervor, from fervēre — see fervent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fervor was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fervor

Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fervor. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

fervor

noun
fer·​vor ˈfər-vər How to pronounce fervor (audio)
: strength of feeling

More from Merriam-Webster on fervor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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