zealous

adjective

Definition of zealousnext
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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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 zealous Porto is quite good as young Jake, as is Hamish Linklater as a rather zealous collector of serial killer memorabilia. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026 But, within a minute of frantic play, Enzo Fernández, Argentina’s most zealous midfielder, went flying into Pau Cubarsí, a young Spain defender. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 Dunk, Welly, and Shirm are on the interplanetary run from a zealous-yet-inept officer of the law named Zandro. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 July 2026 Holding it together is Walters’ voice, at once becalmed and zealous. — Alfred Soto, Pitchfork, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for zealous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealous
  1. fervent
  2. enthusiastic
  3. ardent
  4. passionate
Adjective
  • Strijd’s posts struck a chord online, and ignited interest in the show that did not appear nearly as fervent over the past few weeks.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The church unleashes a campaign—online and onsite—demanding the family’s religious freedom, and the most fervent outcry and mobilization come from the political far right.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of fervent
Adjective
  • Support from the faculty was enthusiastic, and Louise worked closely with professors in many departments to ensure the museum’s exhibitions complemented their classes.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • In that raucous public square known as Reddit, anti-Trumpers are planning protests, evidence that Trump should not expect an overwhelmingly enthusiastic welcome in the traditionally red Sunflower State.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of enthusiastic
Adjective
  • One fascination of this brave book—brave in its disclosures but more so in its demands, its spiritual rigor, and its ardent intellectualism—lies in watching the eloquent, intelligent sufferer steadily entrapping herself.
    — James Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Turns out Ferrari’s ardent fan base is curiously conservative.
    — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of ardent
Adjective
  • Fans were insanely passionate and regionally focused, and the game reflected that.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Seeing what resonates with consumers and how that translates into numbers is something Fields has long been passionate about.
    — Colleen McKown, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of passionate

Browse Nearby Words

zealots
zealous
zealously
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Cite this Entry

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

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