zeal

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun zeal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of zeal are ardor, enthusiasm, fervor, and passion. While all these words mean "intense emotion compelling action," zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.

preaches with fanatical zeal

When is ardor a more appropriate choice than zeal?

While in some cases nearly identical to zeal, ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

Where would enthusiasm be a reasonable alternative to zeal?

The words enthusiasm and zeal can be used in similar contexts, but enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

When could fervor be used to replace zeal?

While the synonyms fervor and zeal are close in meaning, fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

When can passion be used instead of zeal?

The synonyms passion and zeal are sometimes interchangeable, but passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

was a slave to his passions

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 zeal The public’s current zeal for space travel may be heightening interest in all things blue and teal. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025 The former leader oversaw a ferocious crackdown on drug pushers in the Southeast Asian country, targeting with relentless and bloody zeal a criminal trade that had sparked widespread anger among his supporters. Rob Picheta, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025 Community surveys identified the kitchen, which can be leased, as a priority for a neighborhood with a growing refugee and immigrant population and some entrepreneurial zeal. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2025 Shotwell, who’s become a billionaire thanks to investors’ zeal for the company, believes Starship will take the company’s valuation higher still. Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zeal
Noun
  • Among many independent political analysts, though, Biden's defeat seemed all but guaranteed, given voters' alarm about inflation and immigration as well as concern about his vigor.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Following a time of recuperation, Pallister is ready to channel her vigor into this new label.
    Stephan Rabimov, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • The Savage brothers ultimately pursued other passions beyond acting, with Fred working extensively as a TV director and Ben getting into Los Angeles politics.
    Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 15 May 2025
  • The same passion toward wiping out HIV in Africa prompted governments around the world to provide billions of dollars toward the cause.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Such scams exploit investor enthusiasm and poor regulation to inflate prices before insiders sell off their holdings.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • This campaign has energized consumption enthusiasm among younger demographics.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • In an era where Trump’s rhetoric has inadvertently fueled nationalist fervor abroad, American companies in China face shrinking commercial advantage and rising political risk.
    Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 13 May 2025
  • Continuing to fuel the conflict between India and Pakistan are strong nationalist sentiments and religious fervor, Ganyard said.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 10 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zeal. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on zeal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!