PASSION Synonyms: 243 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'passion' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of passion are affection , emotion , feeling , and sentiment . While all these words mean "a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation," passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion. // revenge became his ruling passion

Q: When is it sensible to use 'affection' instead of 'passion'?

The synonyms affection and passion are sometimes interchangeable, but affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings. // a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

Q: How are the words 'emotion' and 'feeling' related as synonyms of 'passion'?

Emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling , encompasses both positive and negative responses. // the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence

Q: When would 'feeling' be a good substitute for 'passion'?

The meanings of feeling and passion largely overlap; however, feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it. // the feelings that once moved me are gone

Q: When can 'sentiment' be used instead of 'passion'?

The words sentiment and passion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea. // her feminist sentiments are well known

passion

noun

ˈpa-shən

Definition of passion next

as in love

a feeling of strong or constant regard for and dedication to someone married at the age of 18, they share a passion that has lasted for over half a century

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as in crush

a strong but often short-lived liking for another person her passion passed when she got to know him

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as in desire

a strong wish for something a passion to become a doctor

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as in emotion

a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation people are sometimes slaves to their own passions

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as in enthusiasm

depth of feeling your passion for your cause is admirable, but you still can't insult people who disagree with you

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as in feeling

passions plural general emotional condition people who are swayed by their passions and not by reason

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as in lust

intense sexual desire their relationship began with passion but a deep love quickly grew between them

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frigidity

as in lustfulness

sexual appetite the kind of pent-up passion that comes from having spent the winter in remote isolation

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word passion distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of passion are affection, emotion, feeling, and sentiment. While all these words mean "a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation," passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

When is it sensible to use affection instead of passion?

The synonyms affection and passion are sometimes interchangeable, but affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

How are the words emotion and feeling related as synonyms of passion?

Emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling, encompasses both positive and negative responses.

the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence

When would feeling be a good substitute for passion?

The meanings of feeling and passion largely overlap; however, feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it.

the feelings that once moved me are gone

When can sentiment be used instead of passion?

The words sentiment and passion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.

her feminist sentiments are well known

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 passion Tarantino films can teach business owners and entrepreneurs about harnessing their passions and finding inspiration to create something entirely new. —

Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2025 As someone who's held the same job since his early years after graduating from college, settled down in Kansas City and built a family with his wife Cam and their three children, Meers' passion for the quirky, yet iconic gig is obvious. —

Skyler Caruso, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025 The smooch was just a tactic to make Ally’s ex jealous, obviously, but such a sudden and spectacular display of passion does put them on a collision course with local authorities. —

Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Feb. 2025 While promoting Blended, Sandler previously revealed on a 2014 episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show that his wife would often encourage him in between takes to kiss Barrymore with more passion so that their chemistry would really shine onscreen. —

EW.com, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for passion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for passion

Noun

Kris Jenner is sharing the birthday love — and throwbacks — for Paris Hilton!

— Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025
The song contrasts authentic love with the superficiality often found in relationships, urging the listener to let their guard down and accept something pure.

— Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2025