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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Champion Know-How Over Credential A highly successful R&D company in the aerospace industry described how so many of their associates worked for free after retirement, driven solely by their zeal to learn. —Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 And aggressive nationalism receded after World War II, as Europeans learned to channel their patriotic zeal through soccer, not war. —Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 11 Apr. 2025 Her zeal and upbeat attitude, even through the most unpleasant moments, kept me from descending further into a pit of negativity. —Olivia James, Outside Online, 24 Apr. 2025 The public’s current zeal for space travel may be heightening interest in all things blue and teal. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zeal
  1. vigor
  2. passion
  3. enthusiasm
  4. fervor
Noun
  • That offensive stance has stood firm even as the stock market continues to be whipsawed by President Donald Trump’s tariff policies that change on a dime, while worries deepen about the vigor of the economy.
    — Yun Li, CNBC, 30 May 2025
  • Micro-breaks, even as short as a few minutes, significantly boost vigor and reduce fatigue, though longer breaks have a greater positive impact on performance.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of vigor
Noun
  • While market opportunity and product-market fit are paramount, successful entrepreneurship often stems from an innate drive and passion for pursuing a vision.
    — Daniel Ramsey, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • On May 24, Saturn will enter Aries for the first time in decades, marking the start of a new era of autonomy and bold passion.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of passion
Noun
  • Such scams exploit investor enthusiasm and poor regulation to inflate prices before insiders sell off their holdings.
    — Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • This campaign has energized consumption enthusiasm among younger demographics.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 23 May 2025
Definition of enthusiasm
Noun
  • Or Jewish people assailed and mocked over social media with unrelenting fervor.
    — Jonathan Greenblatt, Time, 23 May 2025
  • The Wolves don’t want to deal with Oklahoma fervor in Game 7.
    — The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 20 May 2025
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 6 Jun. 2025.

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