# vehement

/ˈviəmənt/ (US) · /vˈiəmənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vehement
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

showing very strong feelings or opinions in a forceful way. You use it when someone speaks or acts with strong passion, often in anger or protest.

For teachers: expressing intense conviction or forceful emotion, often in vigorous support or opposition. Often modifies speech, denial, criticism, protest, or debate.

## Examples

- She makes a vehement protest against the new rule.
- The parents issue a vehement denial after the school wrongly reports a safety problem.
- Despite his usually calm manner, his vehement defense of free speech during the debate revealed a depth of conviction few colleagues had suspected.

## Synonyms

passionate, impassioned, fervent, intense, forceful, heated, fierce

## Antonyms

mild, calm, lukewarm, indifferent

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies; commonly pairs with denial, protest, opposition, criticism, and defense.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.