Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of perfervid are ardent, fervent, fervid, impassioned, and passionate. While all these words mean "showing intense feeling," perfervid implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings.

perfervid expressions of patriotism

When might ardent be a better fit than perfervid?

The words ardent and perfervid can be used in similar contexts, but ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm.

an ardent supporter of human rights

In what contexts can fervent take the place of perfervid?

While in some cases nearly identical to perfervid, fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal.

fervent good wishes

When can fervid be used instead of perfervid?

The words fervid and perfervid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fervid suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion.

fervid love letters

When would impassioned be a good substitute for perfervid?

The synonyms impassioned and perfervid are sometimes interchangeable, but impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression.

an impassioned plea for justice

When is it sensible to use passionate instead of perfervid?

While the synonyms passionate and perfervid are close in meaning, passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion.

a passionate denunciation

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 perfervid The scant paintings on view reverse an emphasis on figurative imagery in the 2019 Biennial, tilting toward a lately prevalent revival of abstraction in perfervid styles that have yet to demonstrate staying power. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2022 This latest controversy won’t dent Thomas’s formidable reputation as a jurist, but it’s another mark against his perfervid critics who have no decency. Rich Lowry, National Review, 1 Apr. 2022 So why, with all this perfervid material at her disposal, did the director, Haifaa Al-Mansour, and her co-screenwriter, Emma Jensen, opt for such cautiousness? Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 May 2018 Down south near San Diego, gray-faced children toil in a slave-labor camp that Dickens could not have imagined in his most perfervid dreams. Joe Morgenstern, WSJ, 4 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfervid
Adjective
  • And Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos, who has built a passionate following of serious collectors with her Mahnaz Collection of rare jewelry, is now bringing vintage watches into the mix.
    Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Dr Margie Warrell is a leadership coach, author and keynote speaker who is passionate about helping women lead boldly.
    Margie Warrell, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Ellis Brooklyn’s care and attention to the format shows, as their body mist launches are always met with fervent adoration.
    Bea McMonagle, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • One is his base of unionized government workers and community activists who share his fervent belief in the rectifying power of progressive policies.
    Will Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Mocha Mist channels caramel’s charm and curiosity, the Organic Basics collaborator said, while Brûlée Brown is a rich, warm sophisticated shade.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Carry a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket and additional warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This is due to the bodywork, interior work, and intense customization required to retrofit a new drivetrain under an old body.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Last year, intense protests and riots against immigration erupted throughout England after 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana stabbed and killed young girls at a dance class.
    Abigail Anthony, National Review, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That final act also sets the scene for an emotional catharsis of sorts that attempts to wring tears out of the audience, with an aggressive assist from Alan Silvestri’s hard-working score.
    David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Examine your emotional reactions One of the hallmarks of misinformation is its ability to provoke strong emotional responses, whether outrage, fear or validation.
    Seth Ashley, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In just a month, the Trump administration’s assault on the federal workforce has managed to push even an ardent reformer like Jones to surrender.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
  • For over a century, every global crisis has sparked a debate in the United States between two classical schools of geopolitical thought, pitting idealists, ardent supporters of foreign intervention, against realists, who mistrust lofty crusades.
    Neil MacFarquhar, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The crypto space had reason to be enthusiastic following the election of President Trump, who largely embraced the sector.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • At two years of age, Jiggs, a persistent and enthusiastic deer runner, was banished from the pack.
    Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Accommodations for religious observances, like Ramadan, have been impacted as well.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Take time to renew your spiritual or religious beliefs.
    Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 4 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Perfervid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfervid. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!