zeal

noun

ˈzēl 

: eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something : fervor

… they took office with an undisguised zeal to do everything differently …

—The Boston Globe

Choose the Right Synonym for zeal

passion, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, zeal mean intense emotion compelling action.

passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

gave in to his passions

fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.

preaches with fanatical zeal

Examples of zeal in a Sentence

… he was uncomfortable with their lavish parties and their collector's zeal for the most expensive, most ostentatious brand names—Rolex and Prada and Farragamo. —Anne Tyler, Digging to America, 2006

In 1248, channelling his piety into crusading zeal, Louis embarked on the Seventh Crusade, against the wishes of the Pope and against the judgement of his counsellors. —Alistair Horne, Seven Ages of Paris, 2002

He showed his anatomical zeal by robbing a wayside gibbet, smuggling the bones back home and reconstructing the skeleton. —Roy Porter, The Greatest Benefit to Mankind, 1997

Recent Examples on the Web

Trump has been back in the White House for a little more than six months, and his family’s zeal is unflagging. —David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2025

His zeal and enthusiasm to bring a fresh perspective to the Federal Government was evident in both the House of Representatives and as part of the Trump Administration. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

The group’s zeal permeated to subsequent topics, providing a concrete example of Discover PB president Randall Engstrom’s observation on the purpose of a united community. —Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025

New offensive coordinator John Morton has jumped into his new role with zeal, creativity and sleeplessness, according to The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English zele, from Late Latin zelus, from Greek zēlos

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing zeal

• missionary zeal

Rhymes for zeal

• beal
• chiel
• ciel
• creel
• deal
• diel
• eel
• feel
• feil
• heal
• heel
• keel

Kids Definition

zeal

noun

ˈzē(ə)l 

: eager desire in going for a goal