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

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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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spirit

2 of 2

verb

as in to capture

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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
Some are ready to use, and others can be retrofitted to bring bygone spirit to your bathroom. — Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2025 Molly’s such a lovely person, just a great spirit and game to do what needs to be done and have fun. — Jessica Wang, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
Video of the airport shows U.N. officials trying to spirit Tedros to safety. — Scott Neuman, NPR, 28 Dec. 2024 Overwhelmed by grief and fear, the child’s plight moves the Faerie Queen, who compassionately spirits him away to the Faerie State, to preserve his innocence. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 27 Jan. 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
  • The last game in front of the old soul of the ground was the FA Youth Cup final of 1992.
    — Michael Walker, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Grace has the most challenging role here, which is to let audiences see the insecure soul peering out from within this new body.
    — Peter Debruge, Variety, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of soul
Noun
  • The guitar bolts and sweeping synths beg you to imagine Carti as some kind of shadow boss, levitating in the sky like SpongeBob going Goofy Goober mode.
    — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The Show 25’s franchise mode experience has gotten deeper.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of mode
Noun
  • Some brands are diligent about paying fairly and on time, while others entirely ghost after the work is done or almost offensive offer rates.
    — Kristen Bousquet, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The ghosts of disasters past are plentiful for Leeds at QPR, and Farke wanted an exorcism.
    — Beren Cross, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of ghost
Noun
  • That’s because this ubiquitous brand is the most popular and best-selling Irish whiskey in the world, a staple of liquor stores and bars, both dive and high-end, that nearly everyone who has ever tried whiskey before has tasted.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2025
  • In the Canadian province of Ontario, Premier Doug Ford ordered government-run liquor stores to take American alcohol products off their shelves.
    — Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of liquor
Verb
  • The new visual captures some of those explosive performances — complete with pyrotechnics and bullhorn — while also offering footage of the band backstage.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The wholesome video has captured the attention of more than 224,000 viewers.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of capture
Noun
  • Since the New Year’s ball dropped, there has been a flood of mixtapes that, with their own regional twist, capture that essence in different ways.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Smokey, tangy, and subtly sweet—the overall flavor somehow captures the essence of a warm, breezy evening on the beach.
    — Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of essence
Noun
  • Depression, Confusion, and Irritability B6 is essential to making certain neurotransmitters and hormones, such as serotonin, which affect brain function and mood.
    — Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Different types of exercise, such as walking, yoga, and high-intensity workouts, have shown various cognitive and mood benefits.
    — Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of mood
Noun
  • 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
  • Zoe, as an apparition, is both the cause and relief to her pain.
    — Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of apparition

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Cite this Entry

“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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