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
Even the most zealous, like young Naomi Bistline, who was eventually sentenced to prison time for her role in Bateman's criminal conspiracy, show the cracks in their belief on camera.
—
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Apr. 2026
Ashley, who is experiencing mysterious health issues despite her over-zealous self-care, was right in Wyle's wheelhouse.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Fans became zealous cultural foot soldiers, streaming, voting and building global communities on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
—Dan Bilefsky, HollywoodReporter, 21 Mar. 2026
Since his first hearing, Higgins’ lawyers have filed a string of motions to dismiss charges and bar evidence against their client from trial as part of a zealous defense.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zealous
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Apr. 2026
Ashley, who is experiencing mysterious health issues despite her over-zealous self-care, was right in Wyle's wheelhouse.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Fans became zealous cultural foot soldiers, streaming, voting and building global communities on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
—Dan Bilefsky, HollywoodReporter, 21 Mar. 2026
Since his first hearing, Higgins’ lawyers have filed a string of motions to dismiss charges and bar evidence against their client from trial as part of a zealous defense.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zealous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealous
Adjective
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Cepeda was widely expected to advance to the second round as the only leftist candidate, coasting off of the fervent support from incumbent President Gustavo Petro’s base.—
Alfie Pannell,
Miami Herald,
31 May 2026
-
The South is blessed with a bounty of delicious mayonnaise brands, each with their own evangelistic bands of fervent followers.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
The first memorandum approval was enthusiastic.—
Nicolas Villamil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 May 2026
-
Petro cited this statement at a public rally to enthusiastic applause.—
Roberto Andrés,
The Dial,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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Among these delusions is the perennial faith that Iranians are potentially ardent converts to American-style freedom, rather than inheritors of an ancient civilization with a trajectory outlined by its own specific history.—
Wyatt Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
2 June 2026
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The owners of Santafé and Sunflower hope ardent soccer fans will take notice and turn out to support their area’s grassroots clubs.—
PJ Green
May 30,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
Tastad explained that their design team has extensive experience with the brand and is passionate about digging into its archives for design inspiration and re-imagining many of the vintage styles.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
1 June 2026
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Becker has long been passionate about this subject, sensitive to the common critique that California native plants look less than spectacular come summertime.—
Pedro Moura,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zealous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealous. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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