zeal

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 Trump administration has attacked DEI on college campuses with particular zeal, threatening investigations, lawsuits and canceled federal funding. Graham Kates, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2025 Any zeal to end the war must not compromise a fair and full acknowledgment of how this particular war began. The Chicago Tribune, arkansasonline.com, 3 Mar. 2025 In its zeal to release unredacted secret documents from the government’s JFK assassination files, the Trump administration has made public the Social Security numbers and other sensitive personal information of potentially hundreds of former congressional staffers and other people. Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025 Real Salt Lake’s broadcasters, Spencer Warne and Jay Nolly, expressed surprise at the visitors’ zeal for pressing, especially late in the match. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zeal
Noun
  • The fan who caught Flores’ home run ball threw it back on the field with such vigor that the ball ended up in the infield, rolling past Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025
  • April 12: The Full Moon in Libra brings balance back into our lives through partnerships. April 12: Venus turns direct, allowing our romantic feelings to flow. April 16: Mercury moves into Aries again, combining vigor and gusto to our words.
    Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Kicking has turned into his new passion over the last few years.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Our Pause for Purpose curriculum is one example of an intentional step toward making a career change or pivot with passion and purpose.
    Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Together Employee engagement reflects employees’ involvement and enthusiasm in their work and workplace, and language plays a major role in shaping that experience.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • With such unprecedented headwinds, the party actually did OK after Biden left the race: Kamala Harris boosted party members' enthusiasm and avoided a wipeout.
    Alex Thompson, Axios, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But – again, in Crutchfield’s view – the Sharks did not pursue the ball with their usual fervor.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2025
  • With a fervor that is another aspect of his ongoing meaning to the franchise — a legendary work ethic that remains the model.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Zeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zeal. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on zeal

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