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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of zealot
There are many reasons to distrust Netanyahu: his habitual lying; his willingness to prop up his coalition with religious zealots and racists; his brutal, protracted prosecution of the war in Gaza, a strategy that seems motivated in no small measure by a desire to cling to power.
—
David Remnick, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
Despite his extensive progressive bona fides, Wertham’s hatred of the comics medium has forever branded him a right-wing zealot in the minds of comic fans.
—Vasilis K. Pozios, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2025
During his time on Exo III, Korby has become something of a zealot for android technology, and tries to convince Kirk that its implementation could be massively beneficial to the Federation.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 18 July 2025
Elizabeth was changed into a robe and wed to Mitchell in a pseudo-ceremony performed by the religious zealot himself.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for zealot
David Remnick, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
Despite his extensive progressive bona fides, Wertham’s hatred of the comics medium has forever branded him a right-wing zealot in the minds of comic fans.
—Vasilis K. Pozios, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2025
During his time on Exo III, Korby has become something of a zealot for android technology, and tries to convince Kirk that its implementation could be massively beneficial to the Federation.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 18 July 2025
Elizabeth was changed into a robe and wed to Mitchell in a pseudo-ceremony performed by the religious zealot himself.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for zealot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealot
Noun
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The cumulative effect is a Congress dominated by out-of-touch partisans more focused on tearing down the other side than governing and addressing the complicated problems facing citizens and the nation.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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Do people in your field think that the partisan, toxic atmosphere in the country could be motivating these attacks, even if the shooters themselves aren’t clear partisans attacking someone from the opposing party?—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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An Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity under military guidelines, told The Associated Press that about 2,000 to 3,000 Hamas militants remain in Gaza City, along with a network of tunnels.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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The Israeli military estimates there are up to 3,000 Hamas militants in Gaza City, a military official said Tuesday, but the tiny number underscores the nearly impossible task facing the IDF, comprising less than 1% of the local population.—
Oren Liebermann,
CNN Money,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Underwood is not a regulator or a public-health crusader.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
16 Sep. 2025
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Student protesters named Nepal’s former chief justice and longtime anti-corruption crusader Sushila Karki as the country’s caretaker prime minister Friday, following deadly anti-corruption demonstrations that toppled the government.—
Brendan Ruberry,
semafor.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The university where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in Utah is set to hold a vigil on its campus, school officials confirmed.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
19 Sep. 2025
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In the days following his killing, conservative activist Charlie Kirk has, in a sense, become all things to all people.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Filmmakers, actors, and film fanatics alike are already feeling the weight and impact of his absence.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
16 Sep. 2025
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Fans can sign up to be seat fillers Good news, TV fanatics!—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Zealot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealot. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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