élan

noun

Definition of élannext
as in zeal

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of élan But these artists skillfully infuse every note with passion and gritty elan. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Dec. 2025 Schwartzman, though, is comic gold as an inappropriate inlaw while Sessa brightens things up as a broken-hearted sop who insinuates himself with all the elan of a Lab puppy into the neighbor’s next door household. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025 Khrushchev sought to revive revolutionary elan and push the USSR to the final stage of history, the transition from socialism to communism, during which the state apparatus would finally wither away. — Benjamin Nathans september 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025 The rule at these gatherings is to move with a semblance of elan. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for élan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for élan
  1. zeal
  2. fervor
  3. verve
  4. brio
  5. gusto
  6. vigor
  7. ardor
  8. vitality
Noun
  • When none of the professors got back to her, Jamie’s initial zeal cooled.
    — Sam Kestenbaum, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
  • In the changeover, local DJ and sound designer Max Ville helped customize a hi-fi lounge adjacent to the dining room, embodying Brock’s zeal for collectible vinyl.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of zeal
Noun
  • The rise of Graham Platner, the oysterman turned politician, really hinted at the populist anti-establishment fervor that was in the Democratic base.
    — Dustin DeSoto, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Like many of those who believe, with evangelical fervor, in the gospel of American opportunity, Capra sprang from elsewhere.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of fervor
Noun
  • And a reminder that these millionaires are playing a child’s game, because no one relishes it with quite the joy and verve and passion and emotion and occasional tantrum like Doncic does.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of verve
Noun
  • The very creation of the industry was verging on the comic in its breakneck brio.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • And surrounding all the onstage brio is, at long last, an equally vibrant space.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 June 2026
Definition of brio
Noun
  • In truth, a night that started with so much gusto fell a bit flat from City’s perspective.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • In the nineteen-thirties—a decade of political assassinations, failed military coups, brutal invasions of China, and a hard-right reaction against the relative liberalism of the nineteen-twenties—the yakuza embraced the Zeitgeist with gusto.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of gusto
Noun
  • To prepare to lead in these areas, CISOs must approach AI readiness with the same vigor and care as AI adoption, building the skills, judgment and development opportunities employees need to govern AI effectively.
    — Haris Pylarinos, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • As Doo-sik, Squid Game’s Park Hae-soo is delivering the show’s defining performance with such vigor and charisma that Stone’s hand is, whether intentionally or not, tipped.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of vigor
Noun
  • There’s Tom Crutchfield, who loves women with the ardor of Pepé Le Pew but spends most of his time not in pursuit of the ladies but of exotic snakes, lizards, alligators, turtles and whatnot.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Or Ada, the focus of Desacroux’s ardor and obsession after a rapturous night five years prior?
    — Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
Definition of ardor
Noun
  • There’s a lesson, too, in sync with the vitality of these men and women who persevered, who never let an insight go unchallenged, a name go unforgotten or a memory about the Renaissance lie unadorned.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • This amazing energy, the vitality, simply could not be repressed.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of vitality

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élan vital
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Cite this Entry

“élan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/%C3%A9lan. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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