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
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Passionate flamenco, a fervent soccer culture, and a 24,000-seat bullring are woven into Madrid’s rich cultural tapestry.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
5 May 2026
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The race to build data centers and deploy more complex AI systems that can complete tasks with limited oversight, known as agentic AI, has ignited fervent demand for central processing units, or CPUs.—
Alexa LoMonaco,
CNBC,
4 May 2026
Adjective
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After the Met announced the Bezoses’ participation, many social media users — who are the Met Gala’s most enthusiastic promoters, tuning into Vogue’s livestream and analyzing looks for days afterwards — called for a boycott.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
1 May 2026
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Most Californians are no doubt still rightly enthusiastic about protecting our coastline treasures.—
Steven Greenhut,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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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
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The situation involving Stamps is noteworthy in part because her mother, Marion Nzinga Stamps, was a passionate community activist at the Cabrini-Green public housing complex who was known to confront officials to press her case.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
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The somms here are passionate and eager to help find the right wine for you.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zealous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealous. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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