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 However, in their zeal to cut off partisans from future abuse, Congress must be careful not to overcorrect. Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 Madigan’s defense team has long argued that prosecutors, in their zeal to reel in the ultimate fish, were trying to criminalize the kind of legal political horse trading, from job recommendations to board appointments, that occur in politics on a daily basis. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025 On the last day of school, the two girls are busy resolving student-council-budget issues—only to be jolted into questioning their rule-following zeal. Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 6 June 2025 Stewart palpably delights in the button-pushing frankness of it all, and in exposing so many of the things that women are told to keep hidden (many of them considerably less fun than an orgasm), but her confrontational zeal always runs second to the fluidity of her feeling. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for zeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zeal
Noun
  • The findings revealed that micro-breaks were significantly associated with lower levels of fatigue and higher levels of vigor by the end of the day.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The weeds have returned with vigor since construction began on the north side because volunteers can’t get in until the work is completed, Mercer said.
    Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • McMichael's family told KFOR, an NBC affiliate, that purchasing livestock was a passion for him.
    Nicole Brown Chau July 14, CBS News, 14 July 2025
  • The family’s true farm-to-table lifestyle—growing fresh fruits and vegetables, raising chickens, hogs, and cattle—instilled in Mike a lasting passion for fresh ingredients and an appreciation for how meals can tell a story, bring people together, and celebrate heritage.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • It was never built, because understanding dolphin language was never a research priority, but the whole project just feels very 1970s in its inspiration and enthusiasm.
    Eva Amsen, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Crucially for Spurs, that enthusiasm in possession doesn’t wane without it.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The fervor is mostly online to a niche audience, and mostly because of Dave Meltzer’s overpraise through his imaginary star-rating system.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Sonic apparently has noticed the fervor, because the drive-in chain decided to introduce two of their own Crispy Tender Wraps this week for a mere $1.99.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Zeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zeal. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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