vehemence

noun

ve·​he·​mence ˈvē-ə-mən(t)s How to pronounce vehemence (audio)
: the quality or state of being vehement : intensity

Examples of vehemence in a Sentence

the vehemence in her voice when she insisted that she never gossiped surprised me every cause that she pursues is pursued with great vehemence
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There has been a vehemence, a ferocity, even a kind of rage to his conduct that transcends the mere pursuit of vengeance. Varad Mehta, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 The vehemence of the opposition to programs that fight discrimination against minorities proves why they are needed. Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025 While Tomlin’s not about to start dropping F-bombs on the airwaves, the vehemence of his response to a momentary disruption of concentration should serve as a reminder that sideline reporters perform a largely thankless job. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 20 Sep. 2024 The union voted by a nearly unanimous tally - 96 percent - to strike, indicating a serious failure to understand the vehemence with which the union workers expected a fulfillment of their demands. Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for vehemence

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vemance, vehemens, borrowed from Middle French vehemence, borrowed from Latin vehementia "violent movement, intensity," from vehement-, vehemens "violent, vehement" + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vehemence was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vehemence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vehemence. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

vehemence

noun
ve·​he·​mence ˈvē-ə-mən(t)s How to pronounce vehemence (audio)
: the quality or state of being vehement

More from Merriam-Webster on vehemence

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