ZEALOT Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

zealot

noun

ˈze-lət

Definition of zealot

as in partisan

one who is intensely or excessively devoted to a cause zealots on both sides of the issue resorted to name-calling and scare tactics

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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 zealot Not so long ago, a liberal Zionist might join forces with a zealot like Chuck Schumer in trying to defeat someone like El-Sayed. — Literary Hub, 20 July 2026 Traditional safety zealot Phil Koopman points out that the public would not accept a system that cuts fatalities by 80% but the remaining ones are all children. — Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Garrett says the new protocols acknowledge that academic institutions have the responsibility to take steps for the safety of their researchers and protect them from potentially dangerous interactions with conspiracy theorists and other reactionary zealots. — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 12 June 2026 March 13, 2026 For Gen Z neophytes and hardcore fans overseas (South Asian and Nigerian Mike zealots apparently have a lot to say on the matter), the idea of MJ/Prince ever being a rivalry is laughable. — Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for zealot

Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealot

Noun

In such seats, the primary becomes the real election, a dynamic that tends to favor the coronation of extremely polarizing nominees since, typically, that electorate is composed of committed partisans.

— Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Republicans at the hearing sought to portray Smith as a partisan who abused his authority to target Republicans.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of partisan

Noun

Israel’s military agency blamed local merchants’ dispute with Hamas militants over truck fees, but Gaza’s truckers union says Israel imposed the restrictions.

— Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Palestinians fled the camp in 2025 as the Israeli military carried out a widespread crackdown against West Bank militants.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of militant

Noun

What happened to the committed father, community pillar, and righteous crusader who saved the day in Season 1?

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026
In the last couple of decades, the social justice crusader worked with Angelenos to develop their own voices through writing workshops.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of crusader

Noun

Rowling has been staunchly critical of transgender rights activists, funding legal efforts to protect women’s rights and penning X/Twitter posts that are considered to be attacks by the trans community.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2026
In August, Israel indicted a settler in the killing of a Palestinian activist.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of activist

Noun

While Musk fanatics expressed their excitement on social media, the Roadster isn't likely to have any material financial impact on the company.

— Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Matthieu Blazy’s offering of 83 different shoes styles on the Chanel runway is a fashion fanatic’s dream.

— Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of fanatic

Browse Nearby Words

zeal

zealot

zealotry

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“Zealot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealot. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of zealot

noun

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