vehemence

Sometimes ve·he·men·cy

[vee-uh-muhns]

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of vehemence¹

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

Example Sentences

The tenor and vehemence of public statements every day, from the hundreds of Democrats in the House and Senate, set a tone and convey messages beyond mere words on paper and screens.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Republicans have generally encouraged Israel to prosecute its war in Gaza with even more vehemence than their Democratic counterparts.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on New York Times

But that is to underestimate the symbolic vehemence of the Le Pen name, and the associations it conjures up in the minds of its enemies.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• fervor