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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 Fearful of looking like bullies, Democrats by and large lost their ardor to block his confirmation. Michael Isikoff, airmail.news, 25 May 2024 Through thick and thin, a constant for McCann was his ardor for the Phillies, a club that has been in existence for over 140 years, winning a grand total — during that span — of two world championships. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024 Killian’s reviews are brimming with genuine pleasure, and also a wonderment and ardor for the great variety of stuff on the Web site. Oscar Schwartz, The New Yorker, 27 Nov. 2024 The Wu-Tang Nike Dunks have developed a severe ardor in hip-hop culture, leading to a pioneering virality in sneaker culture. Ime Ekpo, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ardor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ardor
Noun
  • Regretfully many gardeners were not successful with their plantings and the enthusiasm for azaleas has dwindled.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Kristen Kish Kristen Kish, the show's host and Season 10 winner, radiates the same enthusiasm for Canada as her fellow judge, Simmons, having built her own connection to Toronto through family visits over the years.
    Kimberly Lyn, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Now Warning Issued To All iPhone Users NYT Mini Today: Hints, Clues And Answers For Wednesday, April 2 Cory Booker Breaks Record With 25-Hour Speech Blasting Trump Use it for: Mixing with bold spirits, quenching your thirst, or cutting juices for a lighter spritz.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • His argument—baseless at the time—was that chewing gum had miraculous abilities to quench thirst, stave off hunger, and dissipate nervous tension.
    Hannah Seo, The Atlantic, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Kicking has turned into his new passion over the last few years.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Our Pause for Purpose curriculum is one example of an intentional step toward making a career change or pivot with passion and purpose.
    Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • There were hard runs before and after training, and drills that were high in intensity.
    Richard Amofa, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The researchers then examined the signals, including how strong they were (measured in decibels, a unit used to convey the relative intensity or loudness of a sound) and which frequencies the ear responded to most strongly.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Khazan is filled with a lust for revenge against the emperor and all of those who betrayed him, while the Blade Phantom seeks to restore balance to the underworld, which has been sent into disarray due to events on the surface.
    Scott McRae, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2025
  • There’s gorgeous provocation, and there’s so much love and lust in her eyes.
    Rachel Handler, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • More than fifty years ago, any semi-sentient being could recognize the dangers of forcing minors to work gruelling hours performing emotions for the delectation of large and unseen audiences, long before their brains had finished developing.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Instead of scanning for signs of danger, try slowing down and tuning into your own body and emotions first.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • She will be remembered for her imaginative spirit, her pioneering role in supernatural fiction, and her generosity, warmth and heart, both on and off the page.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The Gobi and Masterpiece jackets is a balance of warmth and mobility, while the Cloud jacket and Anya puffer provide lightweight options for active lifestyles.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ardor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardor. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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