zeal

[zeel] / zil /

NOUN

enthusiasm

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ardor determination devotion diligence eagerness earnestness fanaticism fervor gusto inclination intensity passion perseverance sincerity spirit urgency verve warmth zest

STRONG

alacrity bustle dispatch drive enterprise fierceness fire hustle initiative intentness keenness mania push readiness vehemence yen

WEAK

stick-to-itiveness what it takes

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apathy coolness disinterest dullness inactivity indifference insincerity laziness lethargy neglect unenthusiasm

STRONG

discouragement

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But Kornev is young and infused with an idealistic zeal, refusing to let these goons stonewall him.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

But the important difference comes in the fact that most of the country doesn’t share their zeal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

"With the martyrdom of the supreme leader, his path and mission neither will be lost nor will be forgotten, on the other hand, they will be pursued with greater vigour and zeal," a presenter said.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

Their opinions may be diametrically opposed but they are held with equivalent zeal.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

He rode claiming races with as much zeal as he rode the Santa Anita Handicap.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Vocabulary lists containing zeal

100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know

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List 1

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The Things They Carried

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