zeal

noun

ˈzēl

Synonyms of zeal next

: eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something : fervor

… they took office with an undisguised zeal to do everything differently …—

The Boston Globe

Choose the Right Synonym for zeal

passion, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, zeal mean intense emotion compelling action.

passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.

gave in to his passions

fervor implies a warm and steady emotion.

read the poem aloud with great fervor

ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.

the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded

enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.

never showed much enthusiasm for sports

zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.

preaches with fanatical zeal

Examples of zeal in a Sentence

… he was uncomfortable with their lavish parties and their collector's zeal for the most expensive, most ostentatious brand names—Rolex and Prada and Farragamo. —

Anne Tyler, Digging to America, 2006

In 1248, channelling his piety into crusading zeal, Louis embarked on the Seventh Crusade, against the wishes of the Pope and against the judgement of his counsellors. —

Alistair Horne, Seven Ages of Paris, 2002

He showed his anatomical zeal by robbing a wayside gibbet, smuggling the bones back home and reconstructing the skeleton. —

Roy Porter, The Greatest Benefit to Mankind, 1997

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

His descriptions of Thatcher, especially her inability to read social cues, mingle with his admiration for her leadership and ideological zeal. —

Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2024 Without ongoing motivation and reinforcement, the initial zeal spurred by a motivational speech diminishes rapidly, resulting in employees returning to their original state. —

Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 The show is his baby, gestated with the dramaturg Jacob Mallinson Bird and delivered with mad-scientist zeal by the inexhaustible director Dustin Wills. —

Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024 This amorality becomes the basis of Baker’s progressive zeal and social criticism. —

Armond White, National Review, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for zeal