enthusiasm

noun

in-ˈthü-zē-ˌa-zəm How to pronounce enthusiasm (audio)
Definition of enthusiasmnext
1
as in latest
a practice or interest that is very popular for a short time this year's enthusiasm is often next year's laughingstock

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in thirst
urgent desire or interest in my enthusiasm to get going, I forgot to pack any foul-weather clothing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intensity
depth of feeling spoke about wildlife conservation with evident enthusiasm

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Since founding his multidisciplinary design firm, 22RE, in 2021, Levin has drawn enthusiasm for his sensual, modernist approach to retail and residential interiors. — Leonora Epstein, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2026 But enthusiasm for the GOP appears to be waning amid concerns over inflation and immigration policy. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 But Gen Xers – those who were born between 1965 and 1979 – show less enthusiasm, citing a perception of lower quality. — Jintao Zhang, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026 What readers are saying The comments reflect a mix of enthusiasm and concern among hockey fans. — Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enthusiasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enthusiasm
  1. latest
  2. thirst
  3. intensity
  4. craze
  5. excitement
  6. emotion
  7. trend
  8. appetite
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
Definition of latest
Noun
  • There was no nasty DM needed or a post calling out the fan's thirst.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • But neither remedy has removed the need for fossil fuels and no price spike has changed the thirst for oil.
    — Wael Mahdi, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of thirst
Noun
  • The intensity of their yearning has only increased on their second album, Nature’s Pill—and that’s no easy feat, considering this is a band whose breakout track opens with the narrator prostrating himself before the object of his affection.
    — Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026
  • But Whalefall is no match for the earlier film’s suspense and intensity.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of intensity
Noun
  • Matt Van Horn, an entrepreneur who co-founded the ridesharing service that became Lyft, has been tinkering with agents since the craze started late last year.
    — Adam Clark Estes, Vox, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Randy Marsh, Stan’s ever-adventurous father, decides to check out the looksmaxxing craze and has his face rated by users.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of craze
Noun
  • Lulingu, a Grauer’s gorilla who was reintroduced to Virunga National Park in eastern Congo, is raising a baby after a successful birth, bringing excitement for the conservationists working there.
    — Elodie Toto, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Michael Platt, a professor of marketing, psychology and neuroscience at the Wharton School, says the answer may lie in how the brain responds to risk, excitement and the promise of a big win.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of excitement
Noun
  • The photography by Andrew Jacobs is juxtaposed against works by the Belgian artist Katrien de Blauwer, commissioned for the project to evoke emotion through color.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • These passages connect sensation and emotion without stopping to explain their relationship.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of emotion
Noun
  • The asymmetrical hemline of the sweater is right on trend and makes the whole look feel much more intentional, while the slouchy silhouette still looks polished enough for a coffee run after landing.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Both trends held true, although barely, as the Hurricanes needed two overtimes to survive another upset bid on a day filled with chaotic finishes and upsets.
    — Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of trend
Noun
  • Whether travelers come back to the region depends on risk appetite.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Elsewhere, fashion’s appetite for animal prints took a decidedly reptilian turn.
    — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of appetite

Browse Nearby Words

enthuses
enthusiasm
enthusiasms
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enthusiasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enthusiasm. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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