as in partisans
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 zealots
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
The apocalyptic religious zealots who ran the Iranian police state were on the verge of complete construction of a nuclear bomb.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
Clara Molot talks to the zealots who are holding the line.
—Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 17 Mar. 2026
That title goes to the government of messianic zealots, Arab-hating nationalists and anti-modern ultra-Orthodox Israelis put together by Netanyahu to keep himself in power.
—Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2026
Public health often responds that MAHA supporters like Elizabeth, Melinda, and Nancy have been hoodwinked by social media influencers, grifters, and anti-vaccine zealots.
—Tom W. Johnson, STAT, 26 Jan. 2026
In rip-roaring zombie sequel, Sir Jimmy Crystal leads a gang of murderous zealots known as the Jimmies.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2026
Then there are the Muslims depicted as religious zealots.
—Deena Elgenaidi, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
In that vacuum, religious zealots and cults manifest, nihilism thrives, and families are torn apart.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2025
Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 May 2026
The apocalyptic religious zealots who ran the Iranian police state were on the verge of complete construction of a nuclear bomb.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
Clara Molot talks to the zealots who are holding the line.
—Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 17 Mar. 2026
That title goes to the government of messianic zealots, Arab-hating nationalists and anti-modern ultra-Orthodox Israelis put together by Netanyahu to keep himself in power.
—Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2026
Public health often responds that MAHA supporters like Elizabeth, Melinda, and Nancy have been hoodwinked by social media influencers, grifters, and anti-vaccine zealots.
—Tom W. Johnson, STAT, 26 Jan. 2026
In rip-roaring zombie sequel, Sir Jimmy Crystal leads a gang of murderous zealots known as the Jimmies.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2026
Then there are the Muslims depicted as religious zealots.
—Deena Elgenaidi, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
In that vacuum, religious zealots and cults manifest, nihilism thrives, and families are torn apart.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealots
Noun
-
With a large pack of Democrats running and just two serious Republican contenders, Democratic partisans feared their fractured vote would let the GOP nab both spots in Tuesday’s top-two primary.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
-
Tribalism renders too many partisans unable to think ahead more than one election.—
Washington Post Editorial Board,
Twin Cities,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants that carry out deadly attacks inside Pakistan, including the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
-
The Israeli strikes came after Hezbollah militants’ rockets hit northern Israel.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Since then, graduates have heard from prime ministers, presidents, Supreme Court justices, movie stars, civil-rights crusaders, and Taylor Swift.—
Jonathan Haidt,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
-
Anti-porn crusaders of all ilks also hijacked the news of Radvinsky’s passing for their various pro-censorship agendas.—
Gustavo Turner,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Pastors, politicians and activists came together on Saturday with the goal of energizing apathetic Kansas City voters ahead of the primary election at the 19th annual Urban Summit.—
Freddrell Green,
Kansas City Star,
7 June 2026
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Those who declined frequently faced intense criticism from media outlets and activists.—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Plane Spotting From Airport Hotels Special aviation packages are not the only way for plane fanatics to get up close and personal with their passion.—
Ramsey Qubein,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
Virginia's capital city has something for every kind of traveler—from history lovers and art fanatics to foodies and outdoorsy types.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zealots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealots. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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