zeal

noun

Definition of zealnext
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

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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 This was a scarring experience for the socially insecure MAGA set, and Fox News covered the moderately newsworthy incident with the same zeal as CNN tracking Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 8 Oct. 2026 Known for his exacting, couture-like approach, and an experimental zeal rare among designers at Europe’s largest luxury brands, the Frenchman got his start in fashion by filing, photocopying and cataloguing fabrics at Jean Paul Gaultier. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2026 Legendary computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton warned AI could wipe out humanity as a mere byproduct of its zeal to accomplish a more innocent task. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026 Halas leaned into the new job with zeal, using his earlier barnstorming connections to both recruit and coach players, while organizing a makeshift league called the American Professional Football Association. — Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for zeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zeal
  1. vigor
  2. passion
  3. enthusiasm
  4. fervor
Noun
  • To prepare to lead in these areas, CISOs must approach AI readiness with the same vigor and care as AI adoption, building the skills, judgment and development opportunities employees need to govern AI effectively.
    — Haris Pylarinos, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • As Doo-sik, Squid Game’s Park Hae-soo is delivering the show’s defining performance with such vigor and charisma that Stone’s hand is, whether intentionally or not, tipped.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of vigor
Noun
  • The song addresses overcoming adversity and using others’ doubts to fuel your passion.
    — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The backstory Saltus is a family-run passion project led by sisters Claudia and Nadja Mumelter, alongside their mother, Hedwig.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of passion
Noun
  • Capricorn December 22 – January 19 The people around you may reveal where your enthusiasm belongs next.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Despite Democratic enthusiasm this year, Donnini cautioned that polling numbers do not automatically translate into election victories.
    — Jack Fink, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of enthusiasm
Noun
  • The rise of Graham Platner, the oysterman turned politician, really hinted at the populist anti-establishment fervor that was in the Democratic base.
    — Dustin DeSoto, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Like many of those who believe, with evangelical fervor, in the gospel of American opportunity, Capra sprang from elsewhere.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of fervor

Browse Nearby Words

zaps
zeal
zealot
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Cite this Entry

“Zeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zeal. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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