Definition of passionatenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word passionate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of passionate are ardent, fervent, fervid, impassioned, and perfervid. While all these words mean "showing intense feeling," passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion.

a passionate denunciation

When could ardent be used to replace passionate?

While in some cases nearly identical to passionate, ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm.

an ardent supporter of human rights

When is it sensible to use fervent instead of passionate?

Although the words fervent and passionate have much in common, fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal.

fervent good wishes

When is fervid a more appropriate choice than passionate?

While the synonyms fervid and passionate are close in meaning, fervid suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion.

fervid love letters

When can impassioned be used instead of passionate?

The words impassioned and passionate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression.

an impassioned plea for justice

When might perfervid be a better fit than passionate?

The words perfervid and passionate can be used in similar contexts, but perfervid implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings.

perfervid expressions of patriotism

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 passionate Jones soared with a passionate rendition of the beloved hymn written as a hymn in 1900 by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson and often referred to as the Black national anthem. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 8 Feb. 2026 Our hearts go out to those whose lives have been forever changed by these events and hope that the effort of these passionate investigators opens a door to healing. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026 Base camps also bring each national team’s fervent, passionate fans, providing a boost to the local economy. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 6 Feb. 2026 Anthony Franze is a native Texan and very passionate about covering any weather that is thrown at him. Anthony Franze, San Antonio Express-News, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for passionate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passionate
Adjective
  • Many Olympians—Nordic skiers, for instance—pay a lot of attention to a measure called their VO2 max—the highest volume of oxygen your body can consume and use during a minute of intense exercise.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Valentine’s Day in a first teen relationship should feel simple, sweet, and age-appropriate, not intense or pressured.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But the audience size showed that a hot musical act could attract a significant chunk of the audience already gathered to watch the game.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • At this stage in its evolution, the central star, the one that’s contracting down on its way to becoming a white dwarf, is only slightly hotter than the Sun is.
    Big Think, Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Testimony is also likely to include emotional stories from those who were in the school that day.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Romero does not have the tactical or emotional discipline required to be an effective captain.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • So, there are all sorts of fun details and influences here and everybody at Eintracht Frankfurt sounds incredibly excited about where the appointment may lead.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio — during the halftime show, to a family excited to witness their son play in one of the biggest games of his career, here's a quick breakdown of those moments.
    Noe Padilla, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The evening Regal crowd was more enthusiastic than BAM’s afternoon set.
    Rachel Handler, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
  • If this sounds like the future, the El Paso incident is a reminder that the future has paperwork to contend with and that not everyone is enthusiastic.
    Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Yes, Netflix's Regency-era romance drama (Season 4 Part 1 now streaming) has returned for a new year of lustful glances, hopelessly star-crossed lovers and absolutely absurd balls for a fourth go-round, this time with a story all about the second Bridgerton son, Benedict (Luke Thompson).
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Just don’t make the mistake of thinking that all the girls from 20 to 54 who haven’t glanced in your direction in 25 years are suddenly going to swoon with lustful gazes.
    Oc Register, Oc Register, 18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That has come to bear in his latest effort, Junior, a gorgeous 50-seat restaurant full of warm sound and spirit.
    USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
  • First, fill the tub with warm water and dissolve one tablet, or one-half tablet for sinks.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Matt Johnson’s mockumentary creation clearly has its ardent fans.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
  • While most of us know about laundry, decluttering, and scrubbing the bathroom, there are some tasks that even the most ardent cleaners may overlook.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Passionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passionate. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on passionate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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