spirit 1 of 2

1
as in soul
an immaterial force within a human being thought to give the body life, energy, and power the theological and philosophical belief that the spirit is superior to the body

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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spirit

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word spirit distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of spirit are courage, mettle, resolution, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened.

her spirit was unbroken by failure

When might courage be a better fit than spirit?

While the synonyms courage and spirit are close in meaning, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When could mettle be used to replace spirit?

The words mettle and spirit can be used in similar contexts, but mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

In what contexts can resolution take the place of spirit?

Although the words resolution and spirit have much in common, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

How are the words tenacity and resolution related as synonyms of spirit?

Tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat.

held to their beliefs with great tenacity

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 spirit
Noun
Rotating exhibits means there’s always something fresh to see (and hear), whether its an exhibit exploring the life and work of a legendary musician or one documenting the spirit of the genre through photography. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025 This release is in the same spirit as the Wednesday-night jams. Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
Also emotional, sometimes spirited and other times melancholy, are the songs, which Cotillard lip-synced. Ew Staff, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025 The human cast is impressive; Michael Keaton shines as a ruthless amusement park owner who exploits Dumbo, and Danny DeVito is spirited as a circus ringmaster with a heart of gold. Barry Levitt, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spirit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirit
Noun
  • In that same interview, Moyes admitted to being out of his comfort zone talking about music, but referenced American soul artists The Commodores and Donna Summer plus U.S. pianist and singer Billy Joel as other favourites.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Plastered firmly onto my soul and sealed by the kind of glue that holds entire generations together.
    Lauren Vuong, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Hornets are officially in planning and evaluation mode now.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Costing anything at all in a largely free-to-play market is hard at baseline, but Marathon is launching with just six heroes, three maps and one main mode.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Elytra Dark will serve as a transfer vehicle to bring the Blue ghost lander to the moon.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Apr. 2025
  • But for all the ghost runners, bigger bases, pitch clocks, instant replays and (maybe) robot umps that spark debate, there’s one new rule that seems to be working really well.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The space is near a Big 5 Sporting Goods store and Mark & Monica’s Family Pizza, with In and Out Market liquor store across the street.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The Maryland Lottery will also send a $500 bonus to the liquor store that sold the prize-winning ticket.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • What to know about Blue Origin after celebrity spaceflight NASA's Perseverance rover captures 'fiendish' dueling dust devils on Mars: See video What causes the Lyrid meteors?
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The case captured national attention when Shakespeare, who won a $30 million lottery prize in 2006, vanished in 2009.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Pretty much, Orji’s focus for the live format isn’t to recreate what’s been done before, but making the experience her own while staying true to the essence of the show.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Accompanied by sweeping string arrangements and powerful blaring horns, the song encapsulates the essence of modern mariachi while staying rooted in its timeless traditions.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Recently, the mood in higher ed has shifted from introspective to panicked.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • And when Angela asks about how Brit lost her license—likely looking for clarity, not conflict—the mood shifts fast.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For much of its history, the Church has had to defend itself against accusations that levitations, apparitions, and other miracles were not the work of God but that of the devil.
    Emily Harnett, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Todd, the neighbor, even the strange apparitions are obfuscated simply because of their height, which adds to the eerieness of Indy’s experience but also makes Indy’s recognition of Todd’s voice all the more emotional.
    Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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