as in partisan
one who is intensely or excessively devoted to a cause
zealots on both sides of the issue resorted to name-calling and scare tactics
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Recent Examples of zealot
There are many reasons to distrust Netanyahu: his habitual lying; his willingness to prop up his coalition with religious zealots and racists; his brutal, protracted prosecution of the war in Gaza, a strategy that seems motivated in no small measure by a desire to cling to power.
—
David Remnick, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
Despite his extensive progressive bona fides, Wertham’s hatred of the comics medium has forever branded him a right-wing zealot in the minds of comic fans.
—Vasilis K. Pozios, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2025
During his time on Exo III, Korby has become something of a zealot for android technology, and tries to convince Kirk that its implementation could be massively beneficial to the Federation.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 18 July 2025
Elizabeth was changed into a robe and wed to Mitchell in a pseudo-ceremony performed by the religious zealot himself.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for zealot
David Remnick, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
Despite his extensive progressive bona fides, Wertham’s hatred of the comics medium has forever branded him a right-wing zealot in the minds of comic fans.
—Vasilis K. Pozios, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2025
During his time on Exo III, Korby has become something of a zealot for android technology, and tries to convince Kirk that its implementation could be massively beneficial to the Federation.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 18 July 2025
Elizabeth was changed into a robe and wed to Mitchell in a pseudo-ceremony performed by the religious zealot himself.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for zealot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealot
Noun
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During World War II, the song was transformed by Italian partisans into an anti-fascist anthem.—
Amanda Castro
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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Albert Rowuin, who lives in Orange County, is a hardcore partisan.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In October 2024, two Hamas militants opened fire on a popular boulevard in southern Tel Aviv, killing seven people.—
Billy Stockwell,
CNN Money,
8 Sep. 2025
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The October 7 attacks nearly two years ago were the most significant to date, with hundreds of militants crossing the border amid a barrage of nearly 5,000 projectiles.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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My dear friend Charlie Kirk was our country's relentless and courageous crusader for free speech.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
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The prosecutor in Lula’s case was Sérgio Moro, a conservative anti-corruption crusader who went on to become Bolsonaro’s justice minister.—
Jon Lee Anderson,
New Yorker,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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And in late August, the father of conservative political activist Riley Gaines filed for the seat.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is sending shockwaves through Capitol Hill, a place that is no stranger to political violence.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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He was rewarded with fame, fanatics, and a few awards.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
9 Sep. 2025
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Watching these Eagles linebackers was a treat for football fanatics — and stunning for fans who’ve seen the Eagles linebackers for much of the past decade.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Zealot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealot. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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