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.

After more than 50 years without a title and decades of false starts, the Knicks' rebirth is fueling a rare level of citywide enthusiasm.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

“Working together may not have been in the cards for us; however, that does not lessen my enthusiasm for the band,” he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

"This centre meets the needs of local people with innovation and enthusiasm and is a model that could apply to every community with higher levels of socioeconomic issues."

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

However, she admitted that her enthusiasm about homeownership soon changed into fear at handling the many responsibilities that come with buying a property, including maintenance of the home and all the bills that are involved.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

"An old-fashioned Halloween party," said his father, trying to inspire some enthusiasm in Jeremy.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

enthusiasm

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing enthusiasm

Emotions on Display

"The Drummer Boy of Shiloh"

"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 9

enthusiasm

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing enthusiasm

Emotions on Display

"The Drummer Boy of Shiloh"

"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 9