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
At a moment when ambitious podcasts are hard to come by, the zealous fluidity of Fear No Man stands out.
—
Benjamin Cannon, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
Combining zealous courtroom advocacy with a deft media touch, Jackson has a reputation for seeking big wins for his clients when other defense lawyers might try to cut a deal.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
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
Upon finding a solution for each dilemma, Bi usually nodded with zealous satisfaction.
—Dennis Zhou, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zealous
Benjamin Cannon, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
Combining zealous courtroom advocacy with a deft media touch, Jackson has a reputation for seeking big wins for his clients when other defense lawyers might try to cut a deal.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
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
Upon finding a solution for each dilemma, Bi usually nodded with zealous satisfaction.
—Dennis Zhou, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zealous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealous
Adjective
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Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old student described as a fervent nationalist, died in a hospital on Saturday.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
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From then on, Dior enjoyed the unwavering support of major Japanese clients, loyal friends of the house, who became its fervent ambassadors.—
Kelly Wetherille,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The pact, part of a realignment of MLB’s sports-rights relationships gives ESPN purview over thousands of games that are made available to fans outside a specific home team’s market — widely seen as some of the most passionate and enthusiastic among followers of the national pastime.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
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That’s why the Fed’s minutes are being interpreted by many this morning as being relatively hawkish—meaning that the Federal Open Market Committee is less enthusiastic about cutting interest rates further.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Doomed endorsements Trump has retained an ardent core of MAGA followers throughout his time in office, making his endorsement coveted in primaries.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
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But both Guttenberg and Wasserman Schultz expressed hope that a reasonable proposal can meet the approval of the Second Amendment’s most ardent defenders.—
Rafael Olmeda,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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For all the federation’s failings, Kuper remains a passionate follower of World Cup soccer.—
Ian Buruma,
New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2026
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Instructor Peggie Moore is passionate about working with students of every age, size, shape and ability.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zealous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealous. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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