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feeling 1 of 3

Definition of feelingnext
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as in passions
feelings plural general emotional condition a remark that thoughtlessly hurt her feelings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in feel
an indefinite physical response to a stimulus that odd feeling of forward movement you get when the parked car next to you backs out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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feeling

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adjective

feeling

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verb

present participle of feel
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as in experiencing
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it with the birth of their first child the couple came to feel true happiness for the first time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word feeling distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of feeling are affection, emotion, passion, and sentiment. While all these words mean "a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation," feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it.

the feelings that once moved me are gone

When can affection be used instead of feeling?

The words affection and feeling can be used in similar contexts, but affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

How do emotion and feeling relate to one another?

Emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling, encompasses both positive and negative responses.

the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence

When could passion be used to replace feeling?

The words passion and feeling are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

When might sentiment be a better fit than feeling?

The meanings of sentiment and feeling largely overlap; however, sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.

her feminist sentiments are well known

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 feeling
Noun
The fragile skeleton of her ego threatened to snap under the pressure of the animal forces that pressed down on her consciousness, her narrative mind sagging and distended beneath pitiless and grandiose feeling. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026 Create Cozy Rituals Enjoyable rituals can give your entire family something to look forward to throughout the season while increasing the feeling of authentic connection that embodies hygge. Erica Jackson Curran, Parents, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
Then there are reports that Kidman has been finding comfort in her friend Russell Crowe, to the point that his girlfriend is feeling a little threatened. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 6 Jan. 2026 These are the bad bathroom layouts keeping your space from feeling like a sanctuary, and designers are sharing how to switch things up for a much more soothing space. Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for feeling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feeling
Noun
  • The Carolina Panthers saw their season come to an end in a way that tugged on all sorts of emotions — after a game that was equal parts thrilling and blissful and heartbreaking.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Videos of the incident have sparked widespread emotion and anger.
    Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • At 6 years old, gymnastics is one of her greatest passions.
    The Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Revolutionary France tried to recruit American passions for European wars.
    Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The long hours spent fishing were also good for meditating and reinforced his belief in the destiny marked out for him.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The latter movie musical, directed and co-written by Mona Fastvold, tells the story of the titular founder of the Shakers, who brought her religious beliefs from England to America in the 18th century.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Tagle notes these layouts showcase craftsmanship and express design intent, creating a bespoke feel.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026
  • People are drawn in by the nostalgic feel of its cityscape dotted with neon signs and public murals.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Lilleaas shares her character’s sympathy for the inability of different generations to connect.
    Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • No sympathy for Maduro Maduro, the ruthless dictator arrested with his wife and flown to New York for trial, deserves no sympathy.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • For months afterward, kindness arrived in unexpected forms — neighbors bringing food, strangers offering furniture, friends calling daily.
    Jonathan Taplin, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Does their lack of kindness grant you permission to respond with equal insensitivity or even cruelty?
    Michael Isaacson, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Schlossberg will be remembered as a passionate environmental journalist, curious author, and loving mother, wife, daughter, and friend.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Her son Sebastian announced her death on her Instagram account, penning a loving tribute to the socialite and jewelry designer.
    Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But then Tisdale French started sensing a distance between herself and the other moms.
    Staff Author, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Congress, sensing leverage or electoral opportunity, could legislate controls that no summit can unwind.
    Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Feeling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feeling. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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