vehemence

noun

ve·​he·​mence ˈvē-ə-mən(t)s How to pronounce vehemence (audio)
Synonyms of vehemencenext
: the quality or state of being vehement : intensity

Synonyms

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Examples of vehemence in a Sentence

the vehemence in her voice when she insisted that she never gossiped surprised me every cause that she pursues is pursued with great vehemence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But truthfully, his apology won’t erase the vehemence of his words primarily directed at our sister. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2025 The vehemence reflected her own quest to outrun legibility, which propelled her beyond photo-text and into other orbits. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 And pardon my vehemence, but why isn’t Krystel V. McNeil as Kiara the social worker anywhere on the ballot??? — Joe Reid, Vulture, 14 June 2025 The unusual vehemence of city parkers could have something to do with the fact that circling for a spot produces a hormonal response similar to being at war. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for vehemence

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vemance, vehemens, borrowed from Middle French vehemence, borrowed from Latin vehementia "violent movement, intensity," from vehement-, vehemens "violent, vehement" + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vehemence was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

veg out
vehemence
vehemency
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Cite this Entry

“Vehemence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vehemence. Accessed 17 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

vehemence

noun
ve·​he·​mence ˈvē-ə-mən(t)s How to pronounce vehemence (audio)
: the quality or state of being vehement

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