Synonyms of zeal

zeal

noun

as in vigor

a strong feeling of interest and enthusiasm that makes someone very eager or determined to do something

She attacked her homework with renewed zeal after getting her first A.

a politician known for his zeal for reform

Related Words

• vigor
• passion
• enthusiasm
• fervor
• ardor
• élan
• energy
• fire
• vitality
• gusto
• dynamism
• verve
• eagerness
• drive
• dash
• exuberance
• hardihood
• pep
• brio
• zest
• vim
• starch
• vinegar
• esprit
• ginger
• life
• juice
• oomph
• bounce
• zing
• get-up-and-go
• gas
• relish
• avidity
• zip
• punch
• beans
• sap
• keenness
• go
• vivacity
• moxie
• spirit
• liveliness
• spiritedness
• spunk
• vibrancy
• briskness
• sprightliness
• animation
• snap
• animal spirits
• vivaciousness
• jauntiness
• vibrance
• spunkiness
• snappiness

Dissimilar Words

• indifference
• apathy
• disinterestedness
• indolence
• lukewarmness
• laziness
• lethargy
• halfheartedness
• perfunctoriness
• sluggishness
• listlessness
• torpidity

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

Recent Examples of zeal

Ma brings a happy zeal — and an artist’s eye for detail — to creating a sense of wonder, fantasy and futuristic freedom in a world limited by boring, rational constraints. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Fueled by affection for Gramps, by nostalgia for a childhood steeped in whiskymaking lore, and by a distinct lack of zeal for his law-firm day job, Kevin agrees to drive him the 2,000-odd miles from Arizona. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

But the current efflorescence can perhaps most be credited to the zeal of online communities whose social dynamics encourage avid, savvy viewership. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026

Even worse was the Great Chinese Famine of 1959–61, which was brought on by severe mismanagement amid Mao Zedong’s revolutionary zeal. — Caitlin Welsh, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2026