Definition of perfervidnext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of perfervid are ardent, fervent, fervid, impassioned, and passionate. While all these words mean "showing intense feeling," perfervid implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings.

perfervid expressions of patriotism

When might ardent be a better fit than perfervid?

The words ardent and perfervid can be used in similar contexts, but ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm.

an ardent supporter of human rights

In what contexts can fervent take the place of perfervid?

While in some cases nearly identical to perfervid, fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal.

fervent good wishes

When can fervid be used instead of perfervid?

The words fervid and perfervid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fervid suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion.

fervid love letters

When would impassioned be a good substitute for perfervid?

The synonyms impassioned and perfervid are sometimes interchangeable, but impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression.

an impassioned plea for justice

When is it sensible to use passionate instead of perfervid?

While the synonyms passionate and perfervid are close in meaning, passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion.

a passionate denunciation

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 perfervid The scant paintings on view reverse an emphasis on figurative imagery in the 2019 Biennial, tilting toward a lately prevalent revival of abstraction in perfervid styles that have yet to demonstrate staying power. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2022 This latest controversy won’t dent Thomas’s formidable reputation as a jurist, but it’s another mark against his perfervid critics who have no decency. Rich Lowry, National Review, 1 Apr. 2022 So why, with all this perfervid material at her disposal, did the director, Haifaa Al-Mansour, and her co-screenwriter, Emma Jensen, opt for such cautiousness? Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 May 2018 Down south near San Diego, gray-faced children toil in a slave-labor camp that Dickens could not have imagined in his most perfervid dreams. Joe Morgenstern, WSJ, 4 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfervid
Adjective
  • But the Seahawks and their passionate fans will take it; this title represents Seattle's second Super Bowl triumph and exacts a measure of revenge for the heart-wrenching, last-second defeat in Super Bowl 49.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Adler was a particularly passionate crusader against the scourge of child labor.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • At Fox, Collier became known for his passional embrace of blockchain, NFTs and the whole Web3 space.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 10 Nov. 2022
Adjective
  • Within Disney, there is fervent hope the company can find a way to use its various properties to offer versions of the Super Bowl telecast that are tailored to different audiences, which could include sports die-hards or kids and families.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
  • To a dog, our fervent and prolonged goodbyes at the front door might seem as peculiar and impenetrable as the greetings of an orca do to us.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
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

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Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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