Definitions

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.

By the following month, the zeal had died out, partly due to a valuation correction in software.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

There are others, though, whose own zeal and blind ambition are obvious.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

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 many who served in the front lines maintained their revolutionary zeal, becoming more determined to sustain the regime Khomeini bequeathed to them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

And in her zeal to clean him, she vacuumed Edward’s gold pocket watch right off his lap.

From "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo

Vocabulary lists containing zeal

100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

List 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Things They Carried

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!