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Synonym Chooser

How is the word ardent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of ardent are fervent, fervid, impassioned, passionate, and perfervid. While all these words mean "showing intense feeling," ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm.

an ardent supporter of human rights

When is fervent a more appropriate choice than ardent?

The words fervent and ardent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal.

fervent good wishes

When is it sensible to use fervid instead of ardent?

While the synonyms fervid and ardent are close in meaning, fervid suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion.

fervid love letters

When can impassioned be used instead of ardent?

While in some cases nearly identical to ardent, impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression.

an impassioned plea for justice

When could passionate be used to replace ardent?

In some situations, the words passionate and ardent are roughly equivalent. However, passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion.

a passionate denunciation

When might perfervid be a better fit than ardent?

The meanings of perfervid and ardent largely overlap; however, perfervid implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings.

perfervid expressions of patriotism

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 ardent Swift's father – who is known for having a pocket full of guitar picks to hand out to fans – has been an ardent supporter of his daughter since the debut days in Nashville. Bryan West, USA Today, 17 July 2025 Aside from the most ardent Bolsonaro loyalists, Brazilians—regardless of ideology—don't take kindly to foreign leaders telling them how to run their democracy. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 One part of William’s most ardent tasks as King to deal with his brother Prince Harry after the Duke of Sussex pleaded for reconciliation with his family. Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 13 June 2025 Some of the president's most ardent supporters were in uproar. Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ardent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ardent
Adjective
  • When colleges support these efforts, faculty champions are able to build powerful partnerships around campus, while passionate students find creative and effective ways to connect with their peers.
    Sharon Bloyd-Peshkin, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • New hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars staffed by passionate locals and patronized by an in-the-know clientele have begun to push Nice back into the spotlight.
    Sloane Crosley, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • According to several tributes online and a GoFundMe, Stewart was a former marine biologist who was an avid outdoors enthusiast.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 18 July 2025
  • The center is named after MaryAnn Wright, chair of the Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit Board of Directors and an avid supporter and significant donor to the organization.
    Ava Nightingale, Freep.com, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • One idea is that about a million years after the Big Bang, the universe cooled and underwent a phase transition, an event similar to how boiling water turns liquid into gas.
    Yasemin Saplakoglu, Scientific American, 3 Mar. 2020
  • If candy is still stuck on, pour more boiling water over whatever hasn’t come clean.
    Washington Post, Washington Post, 3 Dec. 2019
Adjective
  • Mister Tramps This Research Boulevard bar is known for its early morning crowds, fervent cheering, and camaraderie among Tottenham Hotspur FC supporters.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 17 July 2025
  • The Auburn Tigers men’s basketball head coach even received the support of Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, despite Pearl’s fervent support for President Donald Trump.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Florida Republicans are enthusiastic about Alligator Alcatraz.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025
  • While the race will be held at the Naval Base Coronado, the city is enthusiastic to host a Nascar weekend.
    Joseph Wolkin, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • In a searing rebuttal days before the British socialite was convicted for procuring victims for Epstein’s abuse in December 2021, Comey spoke to the perverted duo’s reasons for targeting teens from disadvantaged backgrounds.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 17 July 2025
  • In a searing ruling against the Trump administration, a federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked federal agents from using racial profiling to carry out indiscriminate immigration arrests that advocates say have terrorized Angelenos, forced people into hiding and damaged the local economy.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Our family couldn’t be more excited to welcome baby #3 soon!
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 26 July 2025
  • Signs that may indicate you are include: keeping eye contact with a soft, loving gaze; physical contact, including licking, leaning, and sleeping in tour bed; bringing you gifts; and just being generally excited to see you.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the two hottest days on record for Tennessee occurred less than two weeks apart in 1930.
    Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 22 July 2025
  • Menu highlights include the hot honey chicken sandwich, loaded hot Nashville fries and classic hot tenders. Details: 8386 W. Thunderbird Road, Suite 103, Peoria.
    Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ardent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ardent. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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