Definition of fervornext

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 Russia has been pursuing the same goals with a similar fervor. — Seva Gunitsky, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026 The star has dedicated himself with the fervor of a holy crusader to the notion that, to quote his ex-wife, we are not just entertained but reborn when the lights go down and our collective dreams show up onscreen. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2026 Travis, who married Swift in July in an extravagant wedding ceremony at Madison Square Garden in New York City, also compared her fervor for the sport to her lifelong passion for her artistry. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026 The H-bomb was popular with the American public at moments of peak anti-Soviet fervor, just as 70 percent of South Koreans, facing a nuclear regime to the north, want the bomb today. — Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fervor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fervor
Noun
  • That’s on par with the level of enthusiasm expressed by Republicans and Democrats.
    — Julio Borquez, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Though expressing enthusiasm about his transfer destination, Louisville, Flory Bidunga spoke glowingly about his previous school, Kansas, during Tuesday’s ACC basketball media day event held in Charlotte, North Carolina.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Lee remembers the intensity with which Carleton wanted to be involved in that kind of work.
    — Allessandra DiCorato, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
  • There is another band from the ’70s who in their own way are seen as the pinnacle of technical intensity, which is Steely Dan, who Jeff played with.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Rituals is already active in the youth mental health space as cofounder of Super Chill, a program that uses playful mind and body exercises to help children recognize their emotions and develop mental resilience.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Droog takes time to savor his accomplishments while also dealing with years of repressed emotions.
    — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • As the brand evolved, this team transitioned into a dedicated bag restoration and maintenance atelier, preserving the longevity of each piece and keeping the warmth of handmade memory alive through patient care.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • With 80% of the hotel staff hailing from the local Vincentian community, the atmosphere here is one of easy warmth.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Volunteers Janice Maggiora and Donna Blink said McDaniel's passion for people inspires their own joyful giving.
    — Sharon Chin, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • This is the man who made the two-and-a-half-hour, stream-of-consciousness passion project Bardo (2022), after all, which several critics also found rather abrasive and self-indulgent.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fervor. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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