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 Bucci went there and quickly discovered that enthusiasm could be exchanged for access. — Gemma Redrup, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The same data show declining enthusiasm for many prescriptive pro-DEI proposals. — Scott M. Curran, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Strong corporate earnings, waves of enthusiasm about artificial intelligence and a buy-the-dip mentality led by retail investors contributed to the market’s resilience. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 None of these concerns has dampened Yang’s enthusiasm for metagenomics, however. — Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 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
  • More than just thirst quenchers, functional beverages are engineered to deliver a wellness punch with vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, electrolytes, probiotics and enzymes for gut health and adaptogens for mood support.
    — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • What the estate has built in the 15 years since his death is a testament to the thirst for life that the artist had while on this earth.
    — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of thirst
Noun
  • Even with the intensity of Conor Gallagher leading the press in front of them, Chelsea were regularly carved open in defensive transition and conceded 63 goals in the Premier League in 2023-24.
    — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Ruby Hobbs-Leffler felt things with an intensity that even a smart little girl with a big vocabulary couldn’t put into words.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of intensity
Noun
  • Apart from being a lipstick indicator, the bedazzling craze is one more example of the younger generation’s obsession with the analog economy and consumer culture from over 20 years ago before technology owned their attention.
    — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There’s such a great interest now in what life was like before the craze of social media and now AI.
    — Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of craze
Noun
  • The 100-meter sprint in Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval brought together the world’s fastest runners, hurtling along at breakneck speed to shrieks of excitement from a captivated crowd.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But as the excitement for launch built, and the days until Roman's launch dwindled, excitement over the possibility of a solar transit spread among the photojournalists at KSC.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of excitement
Noun
  • Set in the high-stakes world of academia, The Love Hypothesis explores the delicate dance between science and emotion, reason and risk—and what happens when love defies logic.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Todd, who produces the film, recalls the emotions of visiting the set for the first time, during a scene that struck a personal chord with her experience with her son.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of emotion
Noun
  • Department store Macy’s highlights sporty prep, statement sneakers, denim, and activewear as key trends for the 2026 back-to-school period, chiming with analyst predictions.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Frans Op den Kamp is hoping that trend continues, as his collection of more than 3,200 Johnnie Walker bottles and pieces of memorabilia, the largest collection to date at auction, opens for bidding to the public next month.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of trend
Noun
  • Kahn said the life settlement companies kept seeking more growth to sate Wall Street's appetite.
    — Vito Emanuel, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Tehran has also discovered that the United States has no appetite for sending ground troops into its territory.
    — Nate Swanson, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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