zeal

Definition of zealnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun zeal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of zeal are ardor, enthusiasm, fervor, and passion. While all these words mean "intense emotion compelling action," zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.

preaches with fanatical zeal

When is ardor a more appropriate choice than zeal?

While in some cases nearly identical to zeal, ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

Where would enthusiasm be a reasonable alternative to zeal?

The words enthusiasm and zeal can be used in similar contexts, but enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

When could fervor be used to replace zeal?

While the synonyms fervor and zeal are close in meaning, fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

When can passion be used instead of zeal?

The synonyms passion and zeal are sometimes interchangeable, but passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

was a slave to his passions

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of zeal That zeal, her daughter explains, also defined the way Ladd led her life away from the cameras — and fueled her devotion to Beyond the Scars. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026 Teammates who spoke to the Register said Roberts’ zeal did not annoy them. Tyler Jett, Des Moines Register, 21 Jan. 2026 Trump knows it, but still took a stab from his privileged bully pulpit in Switzerland with the zeal of neocolonialism. Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Jan. 2026 The appointees competed to demonstrate loyalist zeal. Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for zeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zeal
Noun
  • Suckers can be stimulated to grow for a variety of reasons, such as the vigor of a plant’s root system in situations where the plant is grafted (as many non-native witchhazels and tree cultivars are).
    Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2026
  • As in as soon as the game was over, with Adebayo marching a phone down to Ware’s locker space at Capital One Arena, with vigor almost as fierce as the dunk itself.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Both juries rejected a defense argument that Alkayyali was under the influence of sudden passion, and would have considered a term of two to 20 years if they were persuaded by the argument.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • In its place, the Fire Horse is galloping into view, calling us to approach life with passion and courage.
    Annabel Gat, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The UConn athletic department acted fast after coach Dan Hurley – and Georgetown coach Ed Cooley – commented on the lack of enthusiasm from the home crowd and some empty seats at men’s basketball games this season.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Sámi filmmaker Elisabeth Rasmussen follows the impressive results of his research, which costs peanuts compared to the enormous budget poured into comparable space missions, with equal zeal and enthusiasm.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • While there may not be the same level of fervor around low-profile shoes as there was at this point last year, the trend doesn’t appear to be fading any time soon.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The location is also highly desirable — close to the action, yet slightly removed from the festival’s fervor.
    Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Zeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zeal. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on zeal

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