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
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
Since the library’s books all date from before 1755, a major job here is preservation, and the zealous doorkeeper opens the big front door sparingly to keep out humidity.
—Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026
The Washington Post has a long history of zealous support for robust press freedoms.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2026
Admittedly, conversations might be a bit zealous, but that is the tenor of the day.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zealous
Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Since the library’s books all date from before 1755, a major job here is preservation, and the zealous doorkeeper opens the big front door sparingly to keep out humidity.
—Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026
The Washington Post has a long history of zealous support for robust press freedoms.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2026
Admittedly, conversations might be a bit zealous, but that is the tenor of the day.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zealous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealous
Adjective
-
The tax proposal authored by Assemblymember Damon Connolly, D-San Rafael, has drawn fervent interest.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The slur has been an unwelcome feature at matches involving Mexico and its fervent fans for two decades, though it is not limited to El Tri.—
Carlos Rodriguez,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Not everyone is enthusiastic about the new possibilities.—
T. M. Brown,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The vibrant purple and vivid oranges, reds, and yellows will bring in enthusiastic bees and butterflies.—
Heather Bien,
The Spruce,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Kennedy, who has no background in science, medicine, or public health, is well known as an ardent anti-vaccine activist and peddler of conspiracy theories.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
23 Apr. 2026
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This is a lovely film that will appeal to Bernstein’s most ardent fans, while warmly inviting neophytes into his world.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Savannah is so passionate about the game.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Feelings of affection will become passionate.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zealous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealous. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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