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Synonyms

vehemence

American  
[vee-uh-muhns] / ˈvi ə məns /
Sometimes vehemency

noun

  1. the quality of being vehement; ardor; fervor.

    Synonyms:
    fervency, enthusiasm, zeal, verve, eagerness
    Antonyms:
    apathy
  2. vigorous impetuosity; fury.

    the vehemence of his attack.

    Synonyms:
    passion
    Antonyms:
    apathy

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of vehemence

1520–30; < Latin vehementia; see vehement, -ence

Explanation

Something with vehemence is forceful and energetic. If you passionately believe that your neighbor is mistreating his dog, speak to him with vehemence. Vehemence is the quality of being vehement, or powerful. We often describe passionate speeches as having vehemence. You could also describe a violent natural event as vehement. A hurricane sweeps onto coastal land with destructive vehemence. If your dancing style is wild and involves throwing your limbs every which way as fast as possible, then you dance with vehemence.

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Vocabulary lists containing vehemence

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.

Vehemence, Authenticity and a prodigal use of adjectives usually determine the winner, who is chosen by audience applause.

From Time Magazine Archive

Carolina in a late Speech to his Assembly inveighs against them with the Vehemence of Luther.

From The Writings of Samuel Adams - Volume 4 by Cushing, Harry Alonzo

His Love for Lenertoula appear'd to have been like a sudden Fire, ready to burst out with greater Vehemence.

From The Amours of Zeokinizul, King of the Kofirans Translated from the Arabic of the famous Traveller Krinelbol by Crébillon, Claude Prosper Jolyot de

The Circumstances do not lie so thick together, and follow one another with that Vehemence and Emotion as in the Original.

From The Spectator, Volume 2. by Addison, Joseph

While I was in all my Agony, I observed a decrepid old Fellow come into the Room, and looking with a Sense of Pleasure in his Face at all my Vehemence and Transport.

From The Spectator, Volume 1 Eighteenth-Century Periodical Essays by Addison, Joseph