spirit 1 of 2

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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
The individuals bring a wealth of experience, insight, and passion to support the Y’s mission of strengthening the spirit, mind, and body of every individual in our community, the release said. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025 As actual spirits, released from their corporeal form, or visions conjured up by the eyes or minds of those who see them—or something else? Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 1 June 2025
Verb
Linda then spirited Charity away and raised her as her own. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 May 2025 In 1940, as Nazi forces invaded Norway, the country’s gold reserves were spirited away along this very route. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spirit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirit
Noun
  • One such soul was Madeline Buol (1902–1986), a devout Catholic and beauty shop owner living in Dubuque, IA, right across the Mississippi River from Dickeyville.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Antonia Gentry as Ginny Miller Ginny is an artful soul who has internalized the chaos of her upbringing as the child of a loving, but lawless mother.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • When things move fast, when expectations are unclear or when there’s a fear of looking bad, people naturally go into self-protective mode.
    Saby Waraich, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Real coaches have their own tendencies and skills that show up in Dynasty mode.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Instead, his presence is more like a ghost (literally at times), and a wedge between these two sisters.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 30 May 2025
  • Nicole Ari Parker in And Just Like That Season 3 Craig Blankenhorn—Max Carrie’s ghosts must have stayed behind at the old apartment.
    Judy Berman, Time, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • She is also being supervised under terms of probation after pleading guilty to a separate charge of unlawfully carrying a gun into a licensed liquor establishment.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2025
  • With that said, many wine cocktails also incorporate at least a splash, if not more, of a liquor with a higher ABV to add complexity to the recipe.
    Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • This collection was taken by National Park Service photographers, who have captured federal public lands and wild critters across the Western U.S.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 6 June 2025
  • The police video, captured on the officer’s body camera, shows that Elias then turned to his right and started running toward the officer.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • That really captured the essence of the dark ages and the medieval world.
    Joshua Lamb, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Quotable Time is of the essence for these students.
    Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • In Los Angeles’ Pico-Robertson neighborhood, the mood was subdued Monday as a smattering of Orthodox families made their way to services to observe Shavuot.
    Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
  • Xabi Alonso’s arrival as coach has really changed the mood at the Bernabeu.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • The series, originally from Monumental Television for the BBC in the UK, follows a young couple inherit a huge castle, only to find one of them can communicate with the various apparitions from history who already live there.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 June 2025
  • The listing appeared suddenly, like an apparition from the era when Yoshi’s reigned as the Bay Area’s premiere jazz venue.
    Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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