Synonyms of zealot

zealot

noun

ˈze-lət 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• partisan
• militant
• crusader
• activist
• fanatic
• ideologue
• advocate
• supporter
• dreamer
• fan
• lover
• true believer
• disciple
• champion
• promoter
• enthusiast
• red hot
• idealist
• follower
• devotee
• patron
• visionary
• maniac
• evangelist
• sucker
• cultist
• junkie
• apostle
• aficionado
• addict
• freak
• fool
• buff
• votary
• fiend
• nut
• bug
• stalwart
• hound
• hanger-on
• booster
• backer
• maven
• fancier
• habitué
• faddist
• idolizer
• head
• well-wisher
• rooter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dilettante
• dabbler
• nonmilitant

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of zealot

His mother had belonged to the Irgun, the Jewish underground that fought British rule before Israel’s founding, but his parents were, by all accounts, not ideological zealots. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

What’s left is a modern tale of school bullying, with a Margaret who is both a zealot and also, thanks to Sloyan, much more human than in the past. — William Earl, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

Coverage of the story dovetailed with a hail of memes and insinuations online that Crockett is a zealot or a pretend cowboy out of his depth. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026

Democrats looking for a way to reclaim their party can find inspiration in the career of Neil Kinnock, who in the mid-1980s rescued the British Labour Party from a determined band of sectarian zealots. — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026