zeal

noun

ˈzēl 

: eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something : fervor

… they took office with an undisguised zeal to do everything differently …

—The Boston Globe

Choose the Right Synonym for zeal

passion, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, zeal mean intense emotion compelling action.

passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

gave in to his passions

fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.

preaches with fanatical zeal

Examples of zeal in a Sentence

… he was uncomfortable with their lavish parties and their collector's zeal for the most expensive, most ostentatious brand names—Rolex and Prada and Farragamo. —Anne Tyler, Digging to America, 2006

In 1248, channelling his piety into crusading zeal, Louis embarked on the Seventh Crusade, against the wishes of the Pope and against the judgement of his counsellors. —Alistair Horne, Seven Ages of Paris, 2002

He showed his anatomical zeal by robbing a wayside gibbet, smuggling the bones back home and reconstructing the skeleton. —Roy Porter, The Greatest Benefit to Mankind, 1997

Recent Examples on the Web

Americans’ zeal for the death of an insurance executive demonstrates both the coarsening of public discourse and the degree of rage many Americans feel over the deficiencies of the U.S. health-care system. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2024

Many blamed Biden’s antitrust zeal with helping slowdown M&A. —Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 24 Nov. 2024

But that zeal for lavishing cash did not carry over to the school’s athletic department, which ranked fourth from the bottom of the conference with just $16 million in donations over the same period. —Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2024

Likely because of its life-affirming message, joyous dance sequences and old-fashioned musical zeal — all of which show up in this latest production starring Cheyenne Jackson as the nightclub owner Georges, Kevin Cahoon as the drag star Albin, and Ryan J. Haddad as their son, Jean-Michel. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English zele, from Late Latin zelus, from Greek zēlos

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing zeal

• missionary zeal

Kids Definition

zeal

noun

ˈzē(ə)l 

: eager desire in going for a goal