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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun ardor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ardor are enthusiasm, fervor, passion, and zeal. While all these words mean "intense emotion compelling action," ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

Where would enthusiasm be a reasonable alternative to ardor?

While the synonyms enthusiasm and ardor are close in meaning, enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

When is fervor a more appropriate choice than ardor?

The meanings of fervor and ardor largely overlap; however, fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

When is it sensible to use passion instead of ardor?

While in some cases nearly identical to ardor, passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

was a slave to his passions

When might zeal be a better fit than ardor?

The synonyms zeal and ardor are sometimes interchangeable, but zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.

preaches with fanatical zeal

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 ardor Charles’ ardor also applies to Herb’s former musical and romantic partner, Nell Mortimer (Mulligan). Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Mar. 2025 But any non-cynic can’t help but be swept up in its doomed ardor. 54. Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025 With the exception of the loving, loyal Nasha, whom Ackie invests with romantic ardor and action-hero intensity, Mickey’s fellow-travellers prove a rotten lot. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025 Ahmir Thompson, the director better known as Questlove, proceeds with more care — with ardor even — than that series, which ran for about 17 years on VH1 and developed a formula that itself became an addictive experience. Wesley Morris, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ardor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ardor
Noun
  • Your loyalty, enthusiasm and belief in our products have meant the world to us.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • It was never built, because understanding dolphin language was never a research priority, but the whole project just feels very 1970s in its inspiration and enthusiasm.
    Eva Amsen, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Unlike most teen love affairs, the couple's relationship is complicated by the reality that Edward is secretly a centenarian vampire with a thirst for blood.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 July 2025
  • Somehow it’s expected that all rape victims should feel a certain way: there ought to be unmitigated anger, or a thirst for vengeance.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • McMichael's family told KFOR, an NBC affiliate, that purchasing livestock was a passion for him.
    Nicole Brown Chau July 14, CBS News, 14 July 2025
  • The family’s true farm-to-table lifestyle—growing fresh fruits and vegetables, raising chickens, hogs, and cattle—instilled in Mike a lasting passion for fresh ingredients and an appreciation for how meals can tell a story, bring people together, and celebrate heritage.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Cooler temperatures raise level of play The temperature dropped, and the intensity rose.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Expressing Emotions Supports Emotional Regulation While many try to instinctively suppress uncomfortable emotions, research shows that simply putting your feelings into words can powerfully help regulate emotional intensity.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • La Piscine’s dark summer romp through the dangers of lust, jealousy, and gluttony proves nothing is ultimately sexier than the privilege of indifference.
    Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025
  • This is consciousness-raising comedy about divinity, lust and landscaping that is also a beautiful balanced human drama.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Pay attention to their body language, tone of voice, and underlying emotions.
    Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Wedding planning brought excitement and emotion, but also a surprise challenge Madi didn’t see coming.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Wood flooring, found here and throughout much of the home, adds a feeling a warmth.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 13 July 2025
  • Science backs this up: Simple expressions of warmth can lower stress hormones for both giver and receiver.
    Belal Aftab, Mercury News, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ardor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardor. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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