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 The installments will be numbered, enabling viewers to watch in sequence, with the running time and structure in keeping with the current zeal for microdramas and the popularity of TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026 His dedication to his craft and his competitiveness fueled his zeal for the win at the cookoff. Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026 Queenstown has no shortage of adventure activities that square a zeal for exhilaration with a scenic backdrop. New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026 The difference between the energy of the machine that resolutely crosses the cordillera and the tiny zeal in the wings of an insect that asks only for leaves to eat and mud in which to house her eggs. María Ospina, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for zeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zeal
Noun
  • This isn’t a film about trauma, or smuggled-in social issues, or anything at all, really, besides the honest workaday business of scaring the bejesus out of its audience, rinsing, and repeating with extra vigor.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The protagonist, Theodore, is a jaded man with no vigor for life.
    Oluwaseun Damilola Sanwoolu, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Hearing Esperanza talk about her passion for nature while touring the garden is a magical moment.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
  • His energy and passion for the game resonated with the Royals’ players and coaching staff.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Great cast members display an infectious enthusiasm that inspires visitors to want to get into their load row and onto that boat and sit down as swiftly as possible.
    Robert Niles, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Thus began a series of responses that suggested perhaps his enthusiasm is in jest — or maybe not?
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Rue takes to this teaching like the Torah, ogling the girls grinding for bills with a fervor that mimics that of a religious revelation.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
  • His passion for off-roading and extreme competition now extends to his two sons, who have caught the Currie racing fervor.
    Morgan Korn, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Zeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zeal. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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