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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Recent Examples of zealous
At a moment when ambitious podcasts are hard to come by, the zealous fluidity of Fear No Man stands out.
—
Benjamin Cannon, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
Combining zealous courtroom advocacy with a deft media touch, Jackson has a reputation for seeking big wins for his clients when other defense lawyers might try to cut a deal.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
Although Newton himself was a recluse, a circle of zealous Newtonian men of science, described by historians as devoted disciples and even evangelists for Newton’s natural philosophy, took his new theories on the road.
—Beth Dufault, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
Upon finding a solution for each dilemma, Bi usually nodded with zealous satisfaction.
—Dennis Zhou, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zealous
Benjamin Cannon, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
Combining zealous courtroom advocacy with a deft media touch, Jackson has a reputation for seeking big wins for his clients when other defense lawyers might try to cut a deal.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
Although Newton himself was a recluse, a circle of zealous Newtonian men of science, described by historians as devoted disciples and even evangelists for Newton’s natural philosophy, took his new theories on the road.
—Beth Dufault, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
Upon finding a solution for each dilemma, Bi usually nodded with zealous satisfaction.
—Dennis Zhou, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zealous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealous
Adjective
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Within Disney, there is fervent hope the company can find a way to use its various properties to offer versions of the Super Bowl telecast that are tailored to different audiences, which could include sports die-hards or kids and families.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
5 Feb. 2026
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To a dog, our fervent and prolonged goodbyes at the front door might seem as peculiar and impenetrable as the greetings of an orca do to us.—
Shayla Love,
New Yorker,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The evening Regal crowd was more enthusiastic than BAM’s afternoon set.—
Rachel Handler,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2026
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If this sounds like the future, the El Paso incident is a reminder that the future has paperwork to contend with and that not everyone is enthusiastic.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Matt Johnson’s mockumentary creation clearly has its ardent fans.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Feb. 2026
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While most of us know about laundry, decluttering, and scrubbing the bathroom, there are some tasks that even the most ardent cleaners may overlook.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But the Seahawks and their passionate fans will take it; this title represents Seattle's second Super Bowl triumph and exacts a measure of revenge for the heart-wrenching, last-second defeat in Super Bowl 49.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
9 Feb. 2026
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Adler was a particularly passionate crusader against the scourge of child labor.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zealous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealous. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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