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enthusiasm

[en-thoo-zee-az-uhm] / ɛnˈθu ziˌæz əm /
NOUN
keen interest, excitement
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ardor devotion eagerness emotion energy feeling fervor frenzy fury intensity interest joy passion spirit warmth zeal
STRONG
activity avidity conviction craze dash earnestness ecstasy exhilaration fad fanaticism fever fieriness fire flame flare gaiety glow go heat hilarity hobby impetuosity joyfulness keenness life mania mirth nerve oomph orgasm pep rapture relish snap transport vehemence verve vim vivacity zest
WEAK
ardency red heat zealousness élan
Antonyms
STRONGEST
apathy calm calmness coolness disinterest inactivity indifference laziness lethargy peace
STRONG
depression dislike dullness frigidity hate hatred lifelessness sadness unhappiness
WEAK
aloofness coldness doubt pessimism weariness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for enthusiasm?
Enthusiasm is lively interest or eagerness. Similar words are keenness and avidity, but their adjective forms are much more common: keen and avid (which are both synonyms for the adjective enthusiastic). To show enthusiasm about something is often to show excitement about it. In the context of enthusiasm for a topic, interest, or endeavor, even stronger words are passion and zeal. A more formal word is ardor. Someone who is considered to have too much enthusiasm for something might be described as overenthusiastic or overzealous. Such a person’s enthusiasm might be called obsessed. In a more colloquial sense, you might be a bit much.
What is the opposite (antonym) of enthusiasm?
The opposite of enthusiasm is a lack of enthusiasm. Someone or something that lacks enthusiasm can be described as unenthusiastic. There are a few terms that capture the same idea, including indifference, disinterest, and lack of interest.  Words that not only imply a lack of enthusiasm about something but also negativity toward it include aversion and disdain.
How do you use enthusiasm in a sentence?
Enthusiasm is a common word that’s used in a variety of contexts. Here are some examples of enthusiasm in a sentence:
  • The opening of the new restaurant was greeted with great enthusiasm.
  • I knew Dave was having a bad day when he didn’t have his usual enthusiasm at band practice.
  • Her false enthusiasm was very off-putting.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Beijing has also made technological self-sufficiency a top priority for its next five-year plan, and investor enthusiasm for all things AI remains high in China.

From The Wall Street Journal

Business investment in AI is fueling a big chunk of the nation’s economic growth, and investor enthusiasm over AI companies has sparked a run-up in the stock market.

From The Wall Street Journal

Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” bowed on the streamer, but the intense enthusiasm that followed persuaded the company to give it a theatrical release over a late summer weekend.

From Salon

The anticipation of unwrapping a present heightens the excitement, which might account for enthusiasm about the delayed November consumer-price index reading on Thursday.

From Barron's

Plus, he says the very existence of such prominent tech bubble fears shows there’s no euphoria, but rather more measured enthusiasm.

From Barron's

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.