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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of zealous
Now President Trump is aggressively seeking to reduce the size and strength of the IRS amid his zealous initiative to shrink the workforce and activities of the federal government.
—
Bruce Brumberg, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Though less zealous than Vance or Burch, Trump administration nominees Linda McMahon for education secretary and Elise Stefanik for United Nations ambassador are Catholic or have a Catholic background.
—Liam Adams, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
They were drawn to subjects who were natural performers—the producer Joseph E. Levine, the Beatles—but were zealous about upholding vérité values.
—Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Fernando spent 12 hours a week patrolling the streets, reminding others about their training to ensure zealous members didn’t overstep their roles.
—Richard J. Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zealous
Bruce Brumberg, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Though less zealous than Vance or Burch, Trump administration nominees Linda McMahon for education secretary and Elise Stefanik for United Nations ambassador are Catholic or have a Catholic background.
—Liam Adams, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
They were drawn to subjects who were natural performers—the producer Joseph E. Levine, the Beatles—but were zealous about upholding vérité values.
—Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Fernando spent 12 hours a week patrolling the streets, reminding others about their training to ensure zealous members didn’t overstep their roles.
—Richard J. Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zealous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealous
Adjective
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There was a David N. Bossie, the president of Citizens United—yes, that Citizens United, whose 2010 court case upended American democracy by allowing corporations unlimited political spending—and a fervent Trump supporter.—
David W. Brown,
The New Yorker,
21 Mar. 2025
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For fervent powder hounds, guests of the hotel can have concierge arrange private ski tours.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
There was an aerospace position that paid twice as much as U.S.G.S., and a mining venture that promised a novel application of A.I. Mary was not enthusiastic.—
E. Tammy Kim,
The New Yorker,
25 Mar. 2025
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Grange leaders are enthusiastic about contributing to the Cruise Nights’ fundraising efforts for the Ramona Senior Center, Carlson said.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Freeing Prince Charming As an ardent feminist, Cavallo found writing Rebel Girls came so naturally to her that the entire book was written in four months.—
Ashleigh N. DeLuca,
Parents,
27 Mar. 2025
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The other nephew is still an ardent adherent to the cult and has gifted much of his substantial wealth to it.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Expect to feel energized and passionate in your one-on-one connections — whether that’s with a romantic partner, a close friend or a business colleague.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
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Embrace the passionate bike culture and explore the city on two wheels (the bike lanes are plentiful and safe).—
Sandra MacGregor,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Zealous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealous. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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