Definitions

verve

[vurv] / vɜrv /

NOUN

energy, enthusiasm

Synonyms

STRONGEST

gumption gusto intensity liveliness moxie passion pep sparkle spunk stamina toughness vigor vitality zeal zest

STRONG

activity ardor dash drive endurance fire force forcefulness get-up-and-go go hardihood juice pizazz pluck power punch spirit steam strength vim virility zing zip

WEAK

élan

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apathy cowardice dullness inactivity indifference laziness lethargy weakness

STRONG

enervation idleness incompetence

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.

The task now for Kerkez is to bring some of the attacking verve he was noted for with the Cherries to the Liverpool shirt.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

“As my father’s words to me, they ring out loud and clear today,” he said with the sort of verve that is rarely heard around the team these days.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

By Wednesday afternoon, the president had apparently decided to try to bring some of his verve and bombast to the White House’s East Room.

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2026

I have enjoyed the caustic verve of this Claude.ai promotional campaign, which seems to be heading off the inevitable swoon of the A.I. revolution before it firmly takes hold.

From Slate • Feb. 8, 2026

He liked the verve of her bouffant wigs, the drawl of her native Mississippi, as well as the severe eyeglass frames that belied the warmth in her eyes.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Vocabulary lists containing verve

"The Hunger Games" Vocabulary from Chapter 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Marigolds"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

100 SAT Words Beginning with "V"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!