passion, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, zeal mean intense emotion compelling action. passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable.
was a slave to his passionsfervor implies a warm and steady emotion.
read the poem aloud with great fervorardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.
the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.
never showed much enthusiasm for sports zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.
preaches with fanatical zeal
Examples of zeal in a Sentence
… he was uncomfortable with their lavish parties and their collector's zeal for the most expensive, most ostentatious brand names—Rolex and Prada and Farragamo.— Anne Tyler, Digging to America, 2006In 1248, channelling his piety into crusading zeal, Louis embarked on the Seventh Crusade, against the wishes of the Pope and against the judgement of his counsellors.— Alistair Horne, Seven Ages of Paris, 2002He showed his anatomical zeal by robbing a wayside gibbet, smuggling the bones back home and reconstructing the skeleton.— Roy Porter, The Greatest Benefit to Mankind, 1997
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'zeal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
: eager desire to get something done or see something succeed
Feeling better, she attacked her homework with renewed zeal.— Louise Fitzhugh, Harriet the Spy