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Definitions

enthusiasm

[en-thoo-zee-az-uhm] / ɛnˈθu ziˌæz əm /


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.

A tax credit for installing solar panels expired last year, which has damped enthusiasm for residential solar stocks—although this is less of an issue for Sunrun’s subscription-based model.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

Travolta’s infectious enthusiasm carried over into the movie itself, a semi-autobiographical trifle about his childhood love of air travel.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Epstein paid tens of thousands of dollars for her to train as a pilot, emails between them show, which she apparently did with great enthusiasm, promoting herself on social media as "Global Girl."

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Ford’s stock is up almost 10% over the last five days, after investors’ enthusiasm for the company’s plan to broaden its business was dampened by a broader market selloff on Friday.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

Mr. Penney must have noticed my lack of enthusiasm because he quickly added, “You’ll like it. It’s a lot like Loyola, my alma mater.”

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez




Vocabulary lists containing enthusiasm


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