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

Examples 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 scandal has rocked the city-state, known for its zeal for clean governance, with Iswaran having become the first former minister to be sentenced to prison in almost half a century. Low De Wei and Bernadette Toh / Bloomberg, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024 The resilience of the Indian spirit is further exemplified by the entrepreneurial zeal that permeates the nation. Pankaj Vasani, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 As their presence has ballooned to over 250,000 followers, one thing that followers noticed was the zeal with which employees promoted the product. Lindsay Kohler, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 The Republicans, in thrall to former and perhaps future president Donald Trump, have embraced his illiberal nationalism, his protectionist zeal and his anti-migrant nativism. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 19 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for zeal 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zeal
Noun
  • The firm has been betting on the South with even greater vigor since 2021, when Morali became CEO and Nicole was made president.
    Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
  • Neither are refuted or corrected with the same vigor and enthusiasm seen when the seed of scandal is first set.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • The dedication and passion shown by individuals like Nichole Latrese Gardner and her team are inspiring.
    Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • In today’s business culture where team members are searching for more purpose and passion in their career choices, companies who still believe that business is not personal risk going the way of the dinosaurs.
    Meridith Alexander, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Biden left the race in late July, endorsing Harris — and she was greeted with a wave of enthusiasm and support as the Democratic Party quickly coalesced around her.
    Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
  • While Democrats and Republicans say the chances of Harris outright winning Iowa are slim, Democrats say the enthusiasm among Hawkeye State women could be indicative of Harris’s support with women across the country.
    Julia Manchester, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • These may not be radio hits, but they’re sung with platinum-level fervor by his devoted audience — a testament to his rapid rise.
    Yoh Phillips, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Case in point: Fenty—who served as mayor of Washington, D.C. from 2007 to 2011—described his approach to deal flow with fervor.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near zeal

Cite this Entry

“Zeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zeal. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on zeal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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