spirit 1 of 2

noun

ˈspir-ət How to pronounce spirit (audio)
Definition of spiritnext
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
2
as in mode
a state of mind dominated by a particular emotion had been in a combative spirit all week

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3
as in ghost
the soul of a dead person thought of especially as appearing to living people Hamlet's late father appears to him in the form of a spirit and with the revelation that he was in fact murdered

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4
as in liquor
spirits plural a distilled beverage that can make a person drunk a hotel bar that's well stocked with spirits

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spirit

2 of 2

verb

as in to capture

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
During his travels beyond Woodstone B&B, Pete found another spirit with the ability to roam and brought her to the property to meet Sas. — Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 3 Apr. 2025 Cheers to being a gracious host and guest—and everyone leaving in good spirits. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
The main thrust of World Beyond is to provide context for the nebulous Civic Republic Military (CRM) — which spirited our beloved Rick early in season 9 — as well as insight about where the ex-sheriff is now. — Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2025 The truth is that James’ fortune may well be spirited away by remote quantum attackers long before the diggers uncover the missing black refuse bag containing the missing hard disk. — David G.w. Birch, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spirit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirit
  1. soul
  2. mode
  3. ghost
  4. liquor
  5. capture
  6. essence
  7. mood
  8. apparition
Noun
  • From the Sweet 16 on, there were no teams from small conferences and, so, no glass slippers left in a tournament that was losing its soul.
    — Eddie Pells, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Not a soul in the hockey world even considers Ovechkin the best player of his era, a title that goes to his longtime rival, Sidney Crosby.
    — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of soul
Noun
  • The Hornets are officially in planning and evaluation mode now.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The White Sox were already in defensive mode after another awful start to the season.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of mode
Noun
  • Elytra Dark will serve as a transfer vehicle to bring the Blue ghost lander to the moon.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Apr. 2025
  • But for all the ghost runners, bigger bases, pitch clocks, instant replays and (maybe) robot umps that spark debate, there’s one new rule that seems to be working really well.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of ghost
Noun
  • Hennessy, grandson of the liquor magnate, was surrounded by Cognac vessels growing up.
    — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2025
  • All this agita was present in the room on Thursday when the owners appeared yet again in front of the state liquor-license board.
    — Bridget Read, Curbed, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of liquor
Verb
  • This image was captured in HaOIII and RGB light from the Dark Sky Alqueva Observatory in Cumeada, Portugal.
    — Miguel Claro, Space.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • In a bid to monitor flexing of the wings following a revision of the technical regulations, cameras mounted on F1 cars capture the front and rear wings during track action.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of capture
Noun
  • The 90's and early 2000's aesthetic of the jacket, along with the essence of athleisure and the elongating effect of Jenner's white socks, allowed the sneakers to stand out as the center of attention.
    — Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 30 Mar. 2025
  • In essence, the unit alleged, instead of the case shaping the show, the show shaped the case.
    — Jessica Lussenhop, ProPublica, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of essence
Noun
  • But more broadly, a cloudy backdrop — marked by a weakening US economy, trade wars and rising geopolitical tensions — is creating a general risk-off mood in the stock market.
    — Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
  • This may support skin, heart, immune system, and cognitive health, reduce inflammation, and improve energy and mood.
    — Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of mood
Noun
  • Todd, the neighbor, even the strange apparitions are obfuscated simply because of their height, which adds to the eerieness of Indy’s experience but also makes Indy’s recognition of Todd’s voice all the more emotional.
    — Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 10 Mar. 2025
  • In the writer-director’s latest horror flick, The Monkey, there is no malignant apparition, and death doesn’t lurk or stalk.
    — Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 7 Feb. 2025
Definition of apparition

Phrases Containing spirit

Browse Nearby Words

spires
spirit
spirit (away or off)
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Cite this Entry

“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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