verve

noun

ˈvərv How to pronounce verve (audio)
Synonyms of verve
1
a
: the spirit and enthusiasm animating artistic composition or performance : vivacity
b
: energy, vitality
2
archaic : special ability or talent

Synonyms of verve

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Examples of verve in a Sentence

She played with skill and verve.
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.
Now the modern-day Hublot (it was adopted as the brand name after the first model’s success ) hopes to recapture some of that 1980s verve with an all-new version of Crocco’s original model called the Classic Fusion Tributo. — Simon De Burton, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026 Written with an unmistakably Caribbean verve and snappy, conversational meter, Carrero defines his stance on Cuba in no uncertain terms. — Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 One thing everyone seems to agree on, though, is that Workday has the right stuff—cash, culture, existential verve—to do it. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026 The dress captured Monse cofounders Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia’s romantic verve and feminine sensibility. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for verve

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, caprice, from Old French, word, gossip, from Vulgar Latin *verva, from Latin verba, plural of verbum word — more at word

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of verve was in 1697

Rhymes for verve

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Browse Nearby Words

vervain thoroughwort
verve
verveine
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Cite this Entry

“Verve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verve. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

verve

noun
ˈvərv How to pronounce verve (audio)
: lively enthusiasm
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