spirit 1 of 2

1
as in soul
an immaterial force within a human being thought to give the body life, energy, and power the theological and philosophical belief that the spirit is superior to the body

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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spirit

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word spirit distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of spirit are courage, mettle, resolution, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened.

her spirit was unbroken by failure

When might courage be a better fit than spirit?

While the synonyms courage and spirit are close in meaning, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When could mettle be used to replace spirit?

The words mettle and spirit can be used in similar contexts, but mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

In what contexts can resolution take the place of spirit?

Although the words resolution and spirit have much in common, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

How are the words tenacity and resolution related as synonyms of spirit?

Tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat.

held to their beliefs with great tenacity

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 spirit
Noun
Khalil described the moments when he was first spirited away by ICE agents on March 8. Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025 After he was arrested, Colindres was spirited out to the Butler County jail, where Sheriff Richard Jones said about 450 immigrant detainees were being held after the sheriff’s office agreed to partner with the Trump administration. Daniella Silva, NBC news, 19 June 2025
Verb
Now, it that same sublime peace and welcoming spirit that makes Playa Grande Beach Club such a singular slice of paradise. Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 In ancient times, yew trees were potent symbols of resurrection and considered portals to the ‘Otherworld’, where spirits could cross back into the land of the living. Emily Buchanan july 18, Literary Hub, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for spirit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirit
Noun
  • The musical slipstream that creates between bluegrass, blues, country, folk, hip-hop, jazz, R&B, rock and soul has roots more firmly entrenched — and more lucrative — in Music City than ever.
    Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • Butler is a victim of a sinister moral panic, one in which small and jealous spirits tore down the highest targets their stubby little souls could reach.
    Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • This helps explain why many people in fawn mode lose touch with their own needs and feelings.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • At least a tease, with 22 points, mostly in attack mode.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • In the present, Belly whips the bracelet Jere brought her back from Cabo across the room and shuffles around campus like a ghost, seeing visions of him everywhere.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 16 July 2025
  • Also, the fact that Ken gets cursed by a crazy old ghost actually helps Momo in her alien abduction predicament, with Momo’s newfound spiritual abilities helping to curb Ken’s curse.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • The 56-year-old Watertown Democrat admitted that prosecutors had enough evidence to prove their case charging him with operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor and leaving the scene of property damage.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 17 July 2025
  • If negotiations work out with the building’s landlord – and pending approval of a liquor license from the city of Denver – Skinner and Music City owners Sam and Jordan Graf, who are brothers, hope to turn the spot into a fully functioning bar and restaurant of their own.
    Jonathan Shikes, Denver Post, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • But savvy gamblers know not to touch these airside temptations, airport slots being notoriously tight, a consequence of convenience and captured customers.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
  • This paradox captures both the fervor of belief and the inherent uncertainty in technological prophecy.
    Arafat Kabir, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • With continuation funds, asset managers in essence are using new investors’ money to pay off old ones.
    Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • The miscommunication that Scorsese’s blurb refers to as the essence of our crise is the product of both political tragedy and B-movie sensationalism.
    Armond White, National Review, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • The sidewalks are smooth and shaded, made for slow walking or long strides, depending on your mood.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 21 July 2025
  • Emotional resonance is becoming as important as form, and color is being used strategically to evoke mood, delineate zones, and support well-being.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Mercury reaches its point of greatest eastern elongation on Friday (July 4), presenting an excellent opportunity to spot the rocky planet during its evening apparition in the post-sunset sky.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2025
  • While contemplating his former love and his future as a father, Massey conjures up the apparition of his beloved Catherine.
    Claire Franken, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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