Definition of ardornext
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 The ardor of contention, the pride of victory, the despair of success, the memory of past injuries and the fear of future dangers all contribute to inflame the mind and to silence the voice of pity. David Brooks, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026 But the yearning in many of his best lyrics is for an unrequited ardor that is equally beyond reach. Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Oct. 2025 That ardor has endured since its Sundance debut. Joe Reid, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025 The power of an abiding trinity is also not lost on Winter, who will be interacting with three women in their sixties and beyond, the ardor of long lives adding dimension to the dance. Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ardor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ardor
Noun
  • On the heels of this enthusiasm, Manus, on March 5, 2025, released an AI tool that took the tech to the next level, from generating ideas to autonomously completing tasks.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Oliver, a New York Times bestselling author who previously worked with Henry Winkler on the Hank Zipzer series, was moved by Hawn's enthusiasm.
    Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There was nothing left for anyone to drink at Soft Bar after Sabrina arrived because her insatiable thirst sucked up all the moisture within a ten-block radius.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
  • That standard is based on the Five Freedoms of animal welfare developed by the Farm Animal Welfare Council, which include freedom from hunger and thirst; from discomfort; from pain, from injury or disease, from fear and distress; and freedom to express normal behavior.
    Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The National Conflict Resolution Center has hosted this event for 38 years now, to recognize individuals and organizations working with passion and purpose toward a better future for all Americans.
    Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Ducks fans expected the postseason and embraced it with a passion that rocked Honda Center during 12 playoff trips in a 15-season span, including two trips to the Stanley Cup Final and the 2007 championship.
    Todd Harmonson, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Here, the trio sharpens its focus, marrying clever production with the soul-eating intensity that propelled its rise.
    Dean Van Nguyen, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Classic shades such as oxblood and rust provide an intensity that doesn’t overpower when used in head-to-toe looks, while statured reds add energy.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Airlines are doubling down on premium cabins as more travelers than ever are willing to spend extra to fly in comfort, and the lust for luxury doesn’t stop at the boarding door.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Typically, the former goaltender Hrudey is one of the sport’s more levelheaded commentators, not a lust-for-violence type.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But playing the first assistant is separating business and emotion.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 1 May 2026
  • Hathaway’s portrayal of the typically opulent song is grounded in reality first, without sacrificing any of its big emotions.
    Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Vij notes that wooden cabinets offer a sense of warmth and coziness, as well as nostalgia, but there’s a practicality, too.
    Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The staff's warmth transcends language anyway.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ardor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardor. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on ardor

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster