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
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.
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Beth Dufault, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
DiCaprio plays Bob Ferguson, a zealous revolutionary turned paranoid burnout, in the latest epic slice of Americana from master filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025
Upon finding a solution for each dilemma, Bi usually nodded with zealous satisfaction.
—Dennis Zhou, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025
The more zealous supporters chant, sing, bang drums and wave flags behind the home side’s goal for the better part of the match’s 90 minutes.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zealous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealous
Adjective
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Korean Messiah follows not only the family that rose to absolute power in Pyongyang, but also an American Presbyterian missionary who built a fervent following in the early 19th century.—
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The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, by far the Administration’s most fervent anti-Maduro ideologue, cautiously described the leader’s capture as a law-enforcement operation.—
Adjective
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View gallery - 9 images Designed as a permanent home for a couple of enthusiastic travelers, the Bespoke Base doesn't compromise on comfort.—
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McNally’s enthusiastic endorsement of Altadena and its agrarian and esthetic charms led wealthy families from the Midwest and East to [build] their winter homes in Altadena.—
Adjective
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Chad Ochocinco knew it all along Legendary receiver and NFL analyst Chad Ochocinco has been an ardent supporter for the Panthers back in the training camp days.—
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González was the Presidential candidate, but the real power is Machado, a conservative Catholic from a wealthy family who built a following as an ardent critic of the Maduro regime.—
Adjective
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Kepner is passionate about accountability and service journalism and encourages anyone to reach out to her to tell their story or share a tip.—
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Most importantly of all, the goal of an actor is to share it, have people see it and have strong, passionate feelings about it — good and sometimes bad.—
Cite this Entry
“Zealous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealous. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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