Synonym Chooser

How does the noun fervor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fervor are ardor, enthusiasm, passion, and zeal. While all these words mean "intense emotion compelling action," fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

When could ardor be used to replace fervor?

In some situations, the words ardor and fervor are roughly equivalent. However, ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

When might enthusiasm be a better fit than fervor?

The words enthusiasm and fervor can be used in similar contexts, but enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

When is it sensible to use passion instead of fervor?

The meanings of passion and fervor largely overlap; however, passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

was a slave to his passions

When would zeal be a good substitute for fervor?

While in some cases nearly identical to fervor, 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 fervor Jin, catching the fervor behind the formulas, coaxes her to speak from the heart about architecture—in a scene that emphasizes the momentous happenstance of their meeting. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 20 June 2025 Though most Republicans continue to hold a positive view of Musk, their diminished fervor suggests his vocal opposition to the Republican president’s signature tax cut legislation may have cost him GOP goodwill. Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 14 June 2025 Women are making their mark in the executive ranks, but the fervor and effort behind improving representation in the corporate world took a slight hit as the national investment in DEI investment slowed after the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025 Now, as Silicon Valley investors swarm to back multi-billion dollar defense startups with increasing fervor, Somerindyke is looking to make the jump from munitions middleman to manufacturer. David Jeans, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • 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
  • Crucially for Spurs, that enthusiasm in possession doesn’t wane without it.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 11 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
  • The prefrontal cortex – the area of the brain that regulates emotions, behavior and memory processing – is the last region to connect to others, one which may not fully integrate until the third decade of life.
    The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Hospitality, for us, is a reflection of our values—warmth, generosity, and community.
    Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 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
Noun
  • The episode explores Freeman's passion for his role and the unique experience of being a sports organist.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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