fever pitch

noun

: a state of intense excitement and agitation

Examples of fever pitch in a Sentence

I worked myself up to a fever pitch of enthusiasm. New allegations brought interest in the scandal to a fever pitch. Demand for the new car soon reached fever pitch.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Divorce rumors The announcement came after the pair faced a flurry of divorce rumors, which first surfaced before their move into the Naval Observatory and reached a fever pitch in November 2025. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026 Ticket frenzy has already reached a fever pitch as fans from around the world seek a piece of the 2026 World Cup action. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2026 Speculation about the supermodel, 30, and the Wuthering Heights actor, 28, reached a fever pitch following the first weekend of Coachella, with fans closely tracking their movements and connections. Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026 But conservative critics argue any new legal status would amount to amnesty — pushback that reached a fever pitch online and in conservative media this month. Emily Brooks, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fever pitch

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fever pitch was in 1837

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fever pitch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fever%20pitch. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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