as in fervent
feeling or showing strong and energetic support for a person, cause, etc.; filled with zeal
zealous fans She was one of the president's most zealous supporters. The detective was zealous in her pursuit of the kidnappers.
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Recent Examples of zealous
Although Newton himself was a recluse, a circle of zealous Newtonian men of science, described by historians as devoted disciples and even evangelists for Newton’s natural philosophy, took his new theories on the road.
—
Beth Dufault, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
DiCaprio plays Bob Ferguson, a zealous revolutionary turned paranoid burnout, in the latest epic slice of Americana from master filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025
Upon finding a solution for each dilemma, Bi usually nodded with zealous satisfaction.
—Dennis Zhou, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025
The more zealous supporters chant, sing, bang drums and wave flags behind the home side’s goal for the better part of the match’s 90 minutes.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zealous
Beth Dufault, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
DiCaprio plays Bob Ferguson, a zealous revolutionary turned paranoid burnout, in the latest epic slice of Americana from master filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025
Upon finding a solution for each dilemma, Bi usually nodded with zealous satisfaction.
—Dennis Zhou, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025
The more zealous supporters chant, sing, bang drums and wave flags behind the home side’s goal for the better part of the match’s 90 minutes.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zealous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealous
Adjective
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Korean Messiah follows not only the family that rose to absolute power in Pyongyang, but also an American Presbyterian missionary who built a fervent following in the early 19th century.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
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The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, by far the Administration’s most fervent anti-Maduro ideologue, cautiously described the leader’s capture as a law-enforcement operation.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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View gallery - 9 images Designed as a permanent home for a couple of enthusiastic travelers, the Bespoke Base doesn't compromise on comfort.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 Jan. 2026
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McNally’s enthusiastic endorsement of Altadena and its agrarian and esthetic charms led wealthy families from the Midwest and East to [build] their winter homes in Altadena.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, both ardent Trump allies, have been vocal in criticizing Powell over the project.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
12 Jan. 2026
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The ardent fan can’t expect this running game to produce 164 yards in its current state; the reasonable fan of any NFL team can’t expect to go 10-for-18 on third- and fourth-downs, either.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Kepner is passionate about accountability and service journalism and encourages anyone to reach out to her to tell their story or share a tip.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
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Most importantly of all, the goal of an actor is to share it, have people see it and have strong, passionate feelings about it — good and sometimes bad.—
Scarlett Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zealous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealous. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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