1
2
3

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 Charles’ ardor also applies to Herb’s former musical and romantic partner, Nell Mortimer (Mulligan). Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Mar. 2025 But any non-cynic can’t help but be swept up in its doomed ardor. 54. Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025 With the exception of the loving, loyal Nasha, whom Ackie invests with romantic ardor and action-hero intensity, Mickey’s fellow-travellers prove a rotten lot. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025 Ahmir Thompson, the director better known as Questlove, proceeds with more care — with ardor even — than that series, which ran for about 17 years on VH1 and developed a formula that itself became an addictive experience. Wesley Morris, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ardor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ardor
Noun
  • There is perhaps even more diversity around technology transfer, with rules, attitudes and enthusiasm varying significantly between universities.
    Trevor Clawson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • But its interest would set off a free-for-all among large railroads and pose a test of the Trump administration’s enthusiasm for industrial consolidation.
    Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Responsible for maintaining the soft, steady music of our autonomic nervous system, the hypothalamus, through a mix of direct action or hormonal release, governs everything from body temperature and blood pressure to hunger and thirst, digestion, sleep-wake cycles, and mood.
    Tom Zeller Jr. July 30, Literary Hub, 30 July 2025
  • How to Stop Milk Cravings Cravings for milk can be caused by thirst, hunger, or emotional triggers.
    Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • Come for the hard news and stay for stuff that feeds your passions: top-shelf dining, sports and music content.
    Benjamin Goad, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • After finishing her schooling, Laine worked in a variety of day jobs, although her passion for performing never wavered.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • Progress slowly: Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts to avoid overtraining.
    Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025
  • The series started its action intensity high, with explosions, fist fights, hit-and-run accidents, and department moles in the first episode, but didn’t have anywhere to go from there.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • There is nothing, these films insist, quite like that first blush (and flush) of love (and lust).
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 28 July 2025
  • Accounts of Jewish congregational life in Berlin are mixed with detailed descriptions of the awkwardness and lust that go along with living inside a female teenage body.
    Troy McMullen, ABC News, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • This process of moving around the league, having to keep stopping and starting brought about a range of emotions for Johnson, especially doubt and loneliness.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
  • In showcasing everything from Norman Rockwell to Charles Schulz, Lucas’s idea is to tap into human emotions/connections in response to this visual storytelling.
    Tiffany Leigh, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • For over three decades, Kym Whitley has moved through Hollywood with an unmistakable mix of warmth, wit, and work ethic.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 26 July 2025
  • Across 5,600 square feet of interior space, an abundance of rich woodwork, gorgeous coffered ceilings and shining hardwood floors give the historic residence charm, warmth and character.
    David Caraccio Updated July 24, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ardor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardor. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ardor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!