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 Now retired, his zeal for the area is as strong as ever — and for the story that captured his imagination all those years ago. Lane Sainty, The Arizona Republic, 3 Nov. 2024 The Republicans took control of Congress after their decisive victories that November, and the domestic agenda was moribund, replaced by a zeal for budget cutting. Jonathan Weisman, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025 According to Spanish Franciscan friar Diego de Landa Calderon – most famous for his zeal in destroying Maya codices – the Maya painted human beings before forcing them onto an altar and cutting out their beating hearts. Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 1 Dec. 2024 Our Bright Ideas in Travel list, first launched in 2022, recognizes the players, places, and projects that are approaching travel’s most pressing issues with thoughtfulness and zeal. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for zeal 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zeal
Noun
  • But LaVine attacked this season with vigor, reshaping himself into a levelheaded leader and efficient scorer who earned quiet praise around the league.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Those who engage in the rotations return to their day jobs with a new vigor and set of insights that strengthen their more traditional work, according to Devgun.
    Peter High, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The brain of a neurodivergent person is wired for passions and novelty, which trigger the motivation to start and stay engaged with that interesting task, Nordmeyer said.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025
  • This year’s slate includes passion projects from a myriad of top Hollywood talent who decamped to Park City, Utah, for screenings, panels, and parties.
    David Graver, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Rancho Santa Fe’s La Valle Coastal Club experienced one of its biggest increases in golf and racquet sports memberships last year as enthusiasm built around a complete club overhaul.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
  • From its stellar script to its exciting cast, his and Cybill’s enthusiasm for the book and their passion for filmmaking has and continues to define every part of this process.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 4 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The film also punctures parts of #MeToo fervor, playing them for farce in a way that feels very up-to-date.
    Ben Croll, Variety, 22 Jan. 2025
  • In closing at nearly 6,000 yesterday, the S&P 500 climbed by roughly 56 percent over his four years in office, bolstered by robust corporate profits and investor fervor for the artificial intelligence boom.
    Lauren Hirsch, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near zeal

Cite this Entry

“Zeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zeal. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on zeal

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