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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

  • overvehemence noun

Etymology

Origin of vehemence

1520–30; < Latin vehementia; 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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

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.

So I deal with what comes with the greatest vehemence at me.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

But he makes up for in vehemence what he lacks in girth.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2024

Or, worse, when that world is breaking down with such vehemence that the air seems to grow more toxic by the minute?

From New York Times • Feb. 16, 2024

The chief justice called the vehemence of the dissent “disturbing.”

From Washington Times • Oct. 1, 2023

Her gloomy dignity, the weight of her name, the convincing vehemence of her declaration made the scale of justice hesitate for a moment.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez