ZEAL Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

zeal

noun

Definition of zeal next

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

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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 Further, studios have lost their zeal for the once pivotal pre-opening star interview circuit. —

Peter Bart, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024 Armed with zeal and momentum in the early days of his second term, and Republican majorities in the House and Senate, will Trump finally finish his border wall this time around? —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025 Required reading The Dodgers have become baseball’s Evil Empire, but all teams should compete with the same zeal How do Dodgers plan to become first repeat champs in 25 years? —

Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 Despite so much going on in his life, Anthony’s zeal for defending the rights of insurance policyholders remains as strong as ever. —

Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for zeal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for zeal

Noun

The last act, informed by the six other acts, empowers all leaders to not only act with vigor but also with greater wisdom.

— Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
But there were no special guests — just Paul, all boyish energy and vigor at 82, with the magnificent four-man band he’s fronted for the past three decades, ripping through nearly two hours of one classic after another.

— Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 12 Feb. 2025