zealot

noun

ˈze-lət How to pronounce zealot (audio)
Definition of zealotnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 zealot Garrett says the new protocols acknowledge that academic institutions have the responsibility to take steps for the safety of their researchers and protect them from potentially dangerous interactions with conspiracy theorists and other reactionary zealots. — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 12 June 2026 March 13, 2026 For Gen Z neophytes and hardcore fans overseas (South Asian and Nigerian Mike zealots apparently have a lot to say on the matter), the idea of MJ/Prince ever being a rivalry is laughable. — Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026 The drama takes place in a dystopian future where the American government has been overthrown by evangelical religious zealots. — Tanya Melendez, Entertainment Weekly, 25 May 2026 Bo-Katan explains the Mandalorians who raised Din and taught him to never show his face are religious zealots known as the Children of the Watch, who broke from Mandalorian society. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for zealot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealot
  1. partisan
  2. militant
  3. crusader
  4. activist
  5. fanatic
Noun
  • Exhibited for the first time outside of Sarajevo, the churning Socialist Realist homage invokes Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People in figuring partisans heroically overcoming their would-be Nazi aggressors.
    — Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 10 July 2026
  • Reynolds tracks the willingness of northern partisans—Carl Schurz, Horace Greeley, Lyman Trumbull, and even Sumner himself—to abandon that cause by the dwindling references to Jamestown and Plymouth.
    — James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Definition of partisan
Noun
  • In April 2012, a coalition of Tuareg rebel groups under the Coordination of Azawad Movements declared independence and sparked a rebellion alongside Islamic militants.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Four Israeli soldiers have been killed by militants in Gaza since the ceasefire.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 31 July 2026
Definition of militant
Noun
  • Gordon is written as a kind of crusader, one who seems doomed to be alone after his relationship with his ex-fiancée falls apart.
    — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 24 July 2026
  • Lina Khan, an antitrust crusader who targeted Big Tech companies during her run as head of the Federal Trade Commission, has been named chair of the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 22 July 2026
Definition of crusader
Noun
  • Taking on Beyer in the 8th Congressional District primary is former State Department official Michael Duffin, former federal attorney Mo Seifeldein, former CIA case officer and Marine Veteran Adam Dunigan, and Democratic activist Lorena Bruner.
    — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026
  • McGovern hopes that Indiana activists and residents come together to see the importance of wetlands replacement and restoration.
    — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of activist
Noun
  • Jerseys have swarmed the fashion capitols, and not just for sports fanatics.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 30 July 2026
  • The gardening fanatic believes the methods that kept couples together in previous generations are still applicable today.
    — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
Definition of fanatic

Browse Nearby Words

zeal
zealot
zealotry
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Cite this Entry

“Zealot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealot. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on zealot

Nglish: Translation of zealot for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about zealot

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