Synonyms for

Zeal

Verb / zi:l / Another word for zeal — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.

Synonyms & similar words

forwardness elan readiness ardour eagerness ardor enthusiasm passion ardor fervor dedication commitment eagerness intensity zealousness devotion earnestness vigor animation excitement fire spirit drive motivation alacrity fervency

Synonyms by register

Formal

ardor fervor passion enthusiasm

Informal

pep oomph go drive

Literary

fire spirit ardency

Antonyms

apathy indifference laziness sluggishness complacency disinterest lethargy

Common collocations

  • great zeal
  • religious zeal
  • political zeal
  • burning zeal
  • with zeal
  • zeal for knowledge
  • zeal for reform
  • unwavering zeal

Word family

noun zeal
adjective zealous

Usage note

Zeal implies intense enthusiasm and dedication, often to a cause or belief. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation of excessive or fanatical devotion.

Example sentences

  1. His zeal for soccer led him to practice every day after school.
  2. She tackled her new job with great zeal.
  3. The volunteers worked with zeal to help those affected by the hurricane.
  4. The teacher's zeal for teaching inspired her students to love learning.
  5. Her zeal for environmental conservation motivated her to recycle and reduce waste.

Quotes

  • 'Zeal without knowledge is fire without light.' - Thomas Fuller
  • 'Zeal is a volcano, the peak of which the grass of indecisiveness does not grow.' - Khalil Gibran
  • 'Zeal will do more than knowledge.' - William Hazlitt

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