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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun enthusiasm differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enthusiasm are ardor, fervor, passion, and zeal. While all these words mean "intense emotion compelling action," enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

When would ardor be a good substitute for enthusiasm?

While in some cases nearly identical to enthusiasm, ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

When might fervor be a better fit than enthusiasm?

The synonyms fervor and enthusiasm are sometimes interchangeable, but fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

When could passion be used to replace enthusiasm?

While the synonyms passion and enthusiasm are close in meaning, passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

was a slave to his passions

Where would zeal be a reasonable alternative to enthusiasm?

The words zeal and enthusiasm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 enthusiasm With 10 other governors in the room, the bipartisan enthusiasm was clear: States are committed to expanding opportunities that give students real-world learning experiences and clear pathways to economic mobility. Sara Schapiro, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Her enthusiasm for her work and moments of success are met with a similar mix of reactions. Sarah Kurchak, Time, 11 Apr. 2025 Stick With It Everybody has moments when enthusiasm wanes. Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan, Outside Online, 11 Apr. 2025 Johnson and Blunt brought Scorsese and DiCaprio the initial concept for the film, which was met with immediate enthusiasm. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enthusiasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enthusiasm
Noun
  • The latests deaths included three residents of long-term care facilities in Dallas, as well as a Balch Springs man in his 20s and a Dallas man in his 60s.
    Dana Branham, Dallas News, 30 Apr. 2020
  • That equates to more than 45 million Americans using CBD products, based on latest available U.S. Census estimates.
    Brendan Bures, chicagotribune.com, 2 Oct. 2019
Noun
  • To quench your thirst, order a pot of Moroccan mint tea and traditional Moroccan pastries at Le Terrasse des Èpices’ ground-floor pastry shop in Souk Cherifia.
    Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Finally, the other dog lifts their head, and Ditta steps forward to quench her thirst.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Within a few years, the intensity and demands of their big lives and careers brought new pressure — and problems for the couple.
    Liz McNeil, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The Kp index — which provides a rough guide to the intensity of aurora displays — may reach 6, which will see the auroral oval stretch farther south.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Connecticut bat-makers weigh in on baseball's new craze, the torpedo; UConn hockey's rise, women's March Madness timing.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, share children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, and their daughter seemingly launched a friendship bracelet craze within the family over the summer.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The rest of this Saturday didn’t lack for excitement, roars coming from all corners from the time McIlroy blasted his opening drive over the bunkers to set up birdie all the way to the end when DeChambeau went from a fairway bunker to the edge of the green to an unlikely birdie.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Even amid the post-match excitement, Bompastor has a calm demeanour most of the time.
    Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 13 Apr. 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
  • This reflects an industry trend moving beyond general-purpose models toward variants optimized for specific high-value tasks often driven by enterprise demand.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Reengaging with your broader communities How can people combat this dangerous trend?
    Jen Cole Wright, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The sweeping scope of Trump’s appetite for institutionalized retaliation has changed the threat landscape for everyone, almost overnight.
    Julia Angwin, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Pets may appear lethargic, exhibit loss of appetite, vomit or have diarrhea.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enthusiasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enthusiasm. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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