verve

noun

ˈvərv 

1

a

: the spirit and enthusiasm animating artistic composition or performance : vivacity

b

: energy, vitality

2

archaic : special ability or talent

Synonyms of verve

• vigor
• energy

Examples of verve in a Sentence

She played with skill and verve.

Recent Examples on the Web

His movies exude eagerness, energy, verve in storytelling, and unmitigated confidence in the emotional power of the cinema itself. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026

Another entry in our recent deluge of ironic gorefests, Over Your Dead Body doesn’t really give us anything new, although for its first half at least, the picture gets by on some verve and a modicum of intelligence. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026

The performances had the energy and verve of a Pentecostal revival, with James playing the role of charismatic preacher. —Daniel Kohn, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026

But the lack of verve Bieber brought to one of music's biggest stages also drew some backlash online — especially amid reports that the artist was paid $10 million to host a YouTube viewing party. —Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, caprice, from Old French, word, gossip, from Vulgar Latin *verva, from Latin verba, plural of verbum word — more at word

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for verve

• curve
• mirv
• nerve
• serve
• swerve
• conserve
• deserve
• manoeuvre
• observe
• preserve
• reserve
• subserve

Kids Definition

verve

noun

ˈvərv 

: lively enthusiasm