Definition of enthusiasmnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun enthusiasm differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enthusiasm are ardor, fervor, passion, and zeal. While all these words mean "intense emotion compelling action," enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

When would ardor be a good substitute for enthusiasm?

While in some cases nearly identical to enthusiasm, ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

When might fervor be a better fit than enthusiasm?

The synonyms fervor and enthusiasm are sometimes interchangeable, but fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

When could passion be used to replace enthusiasm?

While the synonyms passion and enthusiasm are close in meaning, passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

was a slave to his passions

Where would zeal be a reasonable alternative to enthusiasm?

The words zeal and enthusiasm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 enthusiasm In addition to Molyneux’s usual game design bluster, though, was a newfound enthusiasm for the idea of making money from simply playing a game. ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026 Tomlin framed the move as a natural extension of his love for football and the people who make it, expressing enthusiasm for traveling to different venues on Sunday nights and sharing his perspective with a national audience. Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026 But the enthusiasm was motivating, from fans snapping photos of Hathaway and Meryl Streep on the New York streets, to support from Anna Wintour. ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026 Exit polls reflected strong enthusiasm, including an A- CinemaScore and high recommendation rates. Okla Jones, Essence, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enthusiasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enthusiasm
Noun
  • The latests stats mean AI music has exploded by 650% in 16 months.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The latests forecasts show a new round of storm systems will increase rain chances across much of Northern California and the Central Valley in the coming days.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 9 Feb. 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
  • 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
  • In early April, Ulta CEO Kecia Steelman told Yahoo Finance that the company is seeing more consumers buying hair treatment products as part of the GLP-1 craze.
    Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 2 May 2026
  • This month’s new releases include a body horror film that takes aim at the GLP-1 dieting craze, a communist multiverse adventure and a character study about high-level art forgery.
    David Faris, TheWeek, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • As members of the Titans Elite team walked off the basketball court after the last game of the March super regional tournament, their excitement was evident.
    Amy Stark Shireman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • May-Tove Smiseth, an archaeologist and adviser on the Innlandet County Council, said the treasure has drummed up excitement in the archaeological community.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 30 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
  • Chandeliers are Timeless Trendy statement lights tend to have a short shelf life, and the French often embrace interior design trends through accessories like art rather than fixtures.
    Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Now, local leaders and realtors are hoping that outreach and education for potential Black buyers could be the key to reversing the trend.
    Lily Carey, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Suppliers are also increasingly investing—both due to brand appetite and government regulations—in better data collection and traceability.
    Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The brunch menu is fairly limited, but has something for most appetites—Greek yogurt bowls, French toast, avocado toast, etc.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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