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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mode
a state of mind dominated by a particular emotion had been in a combative spirit all week

Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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
Practices this week, to say the least, have been spirited. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025 Kitty was first introduced in To All the Boys as Lara Jean’s (Lana Condor) spirited younger sister. — Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 13 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
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Since emerging, the group has successfully protected liquor stores, churches, shrines and residences from theft and vandalism, according to the Eagles of Antioch.
    — Chris Massaro, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Tariffs would almost certainly make European wine and other alcoholic beverages cost more for the average American ordering wine from a restaurant or shopping in their local liquor store.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of liquor
Verb
  • However, a solar filter will be required to capture it safely.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Playboi Carti captures his second No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, as his latest studio project, MUSIC, debuts atop the tally dated March 29.
    — Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of capture
Noun
  • In essence, technology is democratizing coaching and embedding it into organizations and individuals that used to receive very little of it, if at all.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 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
  • For those more in a jazzy mood, Ben L’Oncle Soul, Braxton Cook, Leven Kali, and Durand Jones & The Indications are for you.
    — Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Vito, seething and remorseless, grabs at control relentlessly; Frank, in no mood to fight, tries to cede it graciously, resulting in a lopsided tug-of-war.
    — Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 21 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

Phrases Containing spirit

Browse Nearby Words

spires
spirit
spirit (away or off)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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