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
On November 4, 1995, an Israeli far-right zealot fatally shot the prime minister at a peace rally in Tel Aviv.
—
Dennis Ross, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
Then there are the Muslims depicted as religious zealots.
—Deena Elgenaidi, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Like many of Harwicz’s characters, Lisa is a zealot of sorts—and an avatar of the author’s unusual belief in the value and importance of hatred.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2025
The son of an alcoholic named George and a religious zealot named Augusta, Gein was raised alongside his brother Henry in a disturbingly strict household.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zealot
Dennis Ross, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
Then there are the Muslims depicted as religious zealots.
—Deena Elgenaidi, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Like many of Harwicz’s characters, Lisa is a zealot of sorts—and an avatar of the author’s unusual belief in the value and importance of hatred.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2025
The son of an alcoholic named George and a religious zealot named Augusta, Gein was raised alongside his brother Henry in a disturbingly strict household.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zealot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealot
Noun
-
Most typically vote like partisans, in favor of their preferred party.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
16 Feb. 2026
-
As one Texas insider explained to me, Cornyn is the national candidate who isn’t exactly loved at home, while Paxton draws adoration from partisans at home who may show up to send a message that what’s happening in Washington is not to their tastes.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Israel said four soldiers were killed by militants in Gaza over the same period.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Israel has said four of its soldiers have been killed by Palestinian militants in the same period.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Kennedy has stocked key public health advisory committees with anti-vax crusaders.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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While a college student, Jackson was a crusader in the fight against Jim Crow segregation laws.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Some philosophers and activists advocate for pet abolition, arguing that treating any animals as property is ethically indefensible.—
Margret Grebowicz,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
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This year’s cohort of activists, while quieter than in the past as a result of the ongoing hostilities, is striving to amplify the voices suppressed and introduce emerging artists to a wider audience.—
Tina Ahmadi Krol,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Runs also tend to draw as many running fanatics as music fans, bringing a new demographic into each artist’s orbit.—
Katie Bain,
Billboard,
11 Feb. 2026
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But the crowds of pastry fanatics and Maxime Frédéric fans descend on the weekends.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zealot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealot. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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