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 For some of us long-suffering fans, football inspires less Messianic zeal than an annual reminder that this is a dark and cruel world and any delusional preseason hope will be quickly and thoroughly snuffed out. Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025 Abu Dhabi may expel Israel’s ambassador to the UAE, Yossi Shelley, a close confidante of Prime Minister Netanyahu, who shares his zeal for territorial expansionism. Monica Marks, Time, 19 Sep. 2025 Trump’s accelerationist instincts, the zeal of his fan base, and the complicity, cowardice, and inaction of the Democratic Party in the face of the governing Republican trifecta made the possibility of a military dictatorship in the United States seem borderline plausible. Seth Harp, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 Musk possesses an almost supernatural ability to conjure investor zeal and create products that redefine entire industries. Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zeal
Noun
  • Mulch may help rebuild topsoil and enhance water infiltration, potentially boosting plant vigor.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
  • It will be measured in the vigor of his curiosity, the depth of his attention, and the audacity of his explorations.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Can a player with such high-level talent supplement his passion with winning focus?
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Her discovery, her self-creation, her passion, and emergence as an artist felt braided with what had originally fascinated me about paint-making.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While some people shared Musk’s enthusiasm, others criticized the decision.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Stein, for now, was happy to accept Dodge’s enthusiasm.
    Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Speaking specifically about those spreading transphobic views online, Ellis-Bextor said she was dismayed at the fervor with which many of them spoke.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The legacy trade preference program lapsed Tuesday without a renewal from Congress, shocking some and disappointing many, including lawmakers, importers and the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) exporters and heads of state who have been lobbying with mounting fervor for an extension.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on zeal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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