as in fervent
feeling or showing strong and energetic support for a person, cause, etc.; filled with zeal
zealous fans She was one of the president's most zealous supporters. The detective was zealous in her pursuit of the kidnappers.
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Recent Examples of zealous
Since joining the bench, many of Trump’s judges and especially his justices have behaved as zealous advocates for the Republican Party and its causes.
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Ian Millhiser, Vox, 25 Sep. 2024
The agencies, always zealous about protecting their sources and methods, prefer to talk as little as possible, and as vaguely as possible.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024
Tanton was also drawing closer to Jared Taylor, whose writings about the superiority of white people had earned him a zealous following.
—Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2024
Following an altercation—one that a 911 dispatcher urged the overly zealous neighborhood watchman to avoid—Martin lay on the ground, shot dead by a single bullet that traversed his heart and lung.
—Cedric Dark, WIRED, 14 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for zealous 
Ian Millhiser, Vox, 25 Sep. 2024
The agencies, always zealous about protecting their sources and methods, prefer to talk as little as possible, and as vaguely as possible.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024
Tanton was also drawing closer to Jared Taylor, whose writings about the superiority of white people had earned him a zealous following.
—Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2024
Following an altercation—one that a 911 dispatcher urged the overly zealous neighborhood watchman to avoid—Martin lay on the ground, shot dead by a single bullet that traversed his heart and lung.
—Cedric Dark, WIRED, 14 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for zealous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealous
Adjective
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At the heart of President Carter’s public service was his fervent commitment to honoring the spark of divinity within every person.Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 29 Dec. 2024
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Ricketts had been a fervent fan of the team while receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Chicago and rooted heavily for Sosa in his captivating home run duel with McGwire and Ken Griffey Jr. in 1998.Phil Rogers, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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What's New Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is promoting his Rudy Coffee brand in a new ad posted to his account on X, formerly Twitter, in which he's dressed as Santa Claus and talking to an enthusiastic Mrs. Claus who's sitting on his lap while sharing her Christmas wish list.Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
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Still, the idea of candying fruit at home seems daunting at best, at least to this NPR reporter (and enthusiastic amateur baker).Neda Ulaby, NPR, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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This busy romp through the life, art and times of Frank Zappa is illustrated with clips and photos even ardent fans won’t have seen; commentary from friends, family and collaborators fills out the picture of a very public private person.Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024
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His remarks prompted fury from ardent supporters of Ukraine and applause from lovers of Russian music, igniting a bitter debate, largely one between generations, about whether culture and politics can be separated at a time of war.Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The newlyweds wake up hungry after a passionate wedding night, which is when Mel remembers that Charmaine never did turn up yesterday.Sara Netzley, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024
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Someone passionate about keeping skin hydrated 100% of the time will appreciate it for its intelligent blend of five peptides, 2.5% niacinamide, alongside vitamin- and omega-rich oils, which not only target dryness, but improve skin’s firmness and tone with consistent use.Kiana Murden, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Zealous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealous. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
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