fervor

noun

fer·​vor ˈfər-vər How to pronounce fervor (audio)
1
: intensity of feeling or expression
booing and cheering with almost equal fervorAlan Rich
revolutionary fervor
2
: intense heat
Choose the Right Synonym for fervor

passion, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, zeal mean intense emotion compelling action.

passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

gave in to his passions

fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.

preaches with fanatical zeal

Examples of fervor in a Sentence

As Nina has grown more observant, Andras has become distanced from her. Her religious fervor doesn't interest him. Coming to tradition late, Nina has all the pedantry of an autodidact. Her strivings seem inauthentic to Andras, and not at all spiritual. Allegra Goodman, Kaaterskill Falls, 1998
Certainly being the son of a pastor had contributed to Vincent's religiosity, but in time even his father was disturbed by the growing intensity of his son's fervor. Michael Kimmelman, New York Times Book Review, 12 Aug. 1990
In her renewed fervor, Norma fears that the past decade has turned women inward, away from one another, and away, too, from the notion that solidarity among women is ultimately a source of personal strength. Anita Shreve, New York Times Magazine, 6 July 1986
Reciting, her voice took on resonance and firmness, it rang with the old fervor, with ferocity even. Eudora Welty, One Writer's Beginnings, 1983
The fervor surrounding her campaign continued right through election day. The novel captures the revolutionary fervor of the period.
Recent Examples on the Web Some senators may be equally alarmed about the rise of China’s technology platforms, but the chamber clearly doesn’t have the House’s fervor, which took the bill from introduction to passage by a 352-65 vote within a week. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 Tesla goes into reverse The fervor surrounding weight loss drugs — over their potential to boost economies by improving people’s health and to upend the business models of food and traditional weight loss companies — mirrors some of the revolutionary rhetoric around electric vehicles. Anna Cooban, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 The challenge was successful, and underpinned Miami’s fervor to end the losing streak. Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 1 Feb. 2024 The government there, a staunch U.S. ally, faces a wave of anti-American fervor over Washington’s refusal to call for a cease-fire in Gaza. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2024 Campaign rallies in Tehran have lacked the typical fervor of previous elections. Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 Opponents say recent data is far from conclusive, with crimes such as shoplifting increasing in some places and decreasing in others — and contend that the fervor is fueled more by anecdotes than evidence. Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2024 Traditional tailoring, an integral part of London’s sartorial heritage, was celebrated with fervor. Sarah Mower, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2024 Prior to that, in the second quarter, during a play that looked promising for the Chiefs, Swift was shown cheering with fervor. Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 11 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fervor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fervour, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French fervur, from Latin fervor, from fervēre — see fervent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fervor was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fervor

Cite this Entry

“Fervor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fervor. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fervor

noun
fer·​vor ˈfər-vər How to pronounce fervor (audio)
: strength of feeling

More from Merriam-Webster on fervor

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