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

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 Many blamed Biden’s antitrust zeal with helping slowdown M&A. —

Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 24 Nov. 2024 But that zeal for lavishing cash did not carry over to the school’s athletic department, which ranked fourth from the bottom of the conference with just $16 million in donations over the same period. —

Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2024 Likely because of its life-affirming message, joyous dance sequences and old-fashioned musical zeal — all of which show up in this latest production starring Cheyenne Jackson as the nightclub owner Georges, Kevin Cahoon as the drag star Albin, and Ryan J. Haddad as their son, Jean-Michel. —

Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024 Over the past four years, antitrust enforcement has become unmoored from its economic foundations, driven instead by ideological zeal and political opportunism. —

Mark Jamison, National Review, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for zeal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for zeal

Noun

Drive brings passion, vigor, and focus even in the face of significant headwinds.

Mary Crossan, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
There is one film that serves as a counterpoint, representing the vigor these older characters strive to resurrect.

Robyn Bahr, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024