Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

enthusiasm

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

noun

  1. absorbing or controlling possession of the mind by any interest or pursuit; lively interest.

    He shows marked enthusiasm for his studies.
    Synonyms:
    devotion, passion, ardor, zeal, fervor, warmth, eagerness
    Antonyms:
    indifference

  2. an occupation, activity, or pursuit in which such interest is shown.

    Hunting is his latest enthusiasm.

  3. any of various forms of extreme religious devotion, usually associated with intense emotionalism and a break with orthodoxy.

enthusiasm British  
/ ɪnˈθjuːzɪˌæzəm /

noun

  1. ardent and lively interest or eagerness

  2. an object of keen interest; passion

  3. archaic extravagant or unbalanced religious fervour

  4. obsolete possession or inspiration by a god

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • antienthusiasm noun
  • hyperenthusiasm noun
  • overenthusiasm noun
  • preenthusiasm noun
  • unenthusiasm noun

Etymology

Origin of enthusiasm

First recorded in 1570–80; from Late Latin enthūsiasmus, from Greek enthousiasmós, from enthousí(a) “possession by a god” ( énthous, variant of éntheos “having a god within,” from en- en- 2 + -thous, -theos “possessed by a god” + -ia -y 3 ( def. ) ) + -asmos, variant (after vowel stems) of -ismos -ism; theism ( def. )

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 renewed enthusiasm for nuclear power is palpable in Europe:

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Nacua became known for his infectious enthusiasm and ability to catch almost anything Rams MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford threw his way.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

This enthusiasm seems to have made Graham an easy target for his colleagues.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Other startups have shared in Silicon Valley’s enthusiasm for OpenClaw and independent AI bots, but only up to a certain point.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

They remind me of baby birds, except they’re lacking all enthusiasm.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.