zealouszeal‧ous /ˈzeləs/ adjective 
Examples
a zealous preacher zealous political activistsbe zealous in (doing) something No one was more zealous than Neil in supporting the proposal.—zealously adverb
ExamplesEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
Thesaurus- Only the most zealous supporters of Thatcherism were in favour of the tax.
- Some of the officers were more zealous than others in enforcing the disciplinary code.
- Elsewhere, the arguments may seem more rational but are equally zealous.
- He was always zealous in good works, always regular at worship and a key member of the church.
- Here, the conformity can be zealous or even excessive.
- No zealous advocate of good citizenship would argue that political participation ought to be pursued to the neglect of all other obligations.
- Not only did she write boldly about religious questions, she was a zealous evangelist.
- The trees were dusty and muscular; zealous visions of their former selves.
- What I can not accept is the zealous, blind rush to condemn the parents of Jessica Dubroff.
- Without such a safeguard, a small group of ill-informed or zealous officers from either side could start a full-scale nuclear war.
THESAURUS► enthusiastic
someone who is zealous does or supports something with great energy: feeling or showing a lot of interest or excitement about something: · He’s really enthusiastic about his new job.· An enthusiastic crowd cheered the team onto the pitch.
► eager wanting to do something or know about something very soon: · He was eager to hear every detail of her day.· She was always eager for her turn on the catwalk.· The room was full of eager young faces.· We waited in eager anticipation.
► keen eager to work or learn: · She hasn’t much experience but she’s very keen.· John was a keen student who worked very hard.
► zealous doing something in a very enthusiastic way, especially supporting something or making sure that people obey rules: · She was a zealous supporter of the revolution.· The company has been extremely zealous in defending its interests.· Officials have been very zealous in the application of the new regulations.
► avid [only before noun] written used when you want to emphasize that someone does something a lot or is very interested in something: · an avid golfer· She was an avid reader all her life.· I’ve become an avid collector of his work.· Henry is an avid fan of the sport.· As a schoolboy he had an avid interest in birds.
► fervent written believing or feeling something very strongly and sincerely: · Galinsoga was one of Franco’s most fervent supporters.· One of Allen 's fervent admirers was Richard Nixon.· her fervent belief in promoting the work of good women artists
► be mad about something British English informal to like something very much and be very interested in it: · My sister’s mad about horses.· Since you’re so mad about clothes, you can help me choose a wedding dress.
► can’t wait to do something to be very eager to do something: · I can’t wait to get started.
► be looking forward to something to feel pleased and excited because you know that something is going to happen soon: · I’m looking forward to the vacation.
Longman Language Activatorenthusiastic► enthusiastic behaving in a way that shows how much you like, enjoy, or approve of something: · A small but enthusiastic crowd cheered as the players ran onto the field.· Several enthusiastic young teachers have just started working at the school.enthusiastic about: · He's still really enthusiastic about his new job.
► keen especially British very enthusiastic about an activity or job: · She hasn't much experience but she's very keen.keen on: · There are plenty of after-school opportunities for people who are keen on athletics.keen on doing something: · My parents have always been keen on travelling, whenever they get the chance.a keen golfer/photographer/gardener etc: · Chris is a keen photographer - he's won several competitions.keen to do something: · Gabby was obviously anxious to do well, and Jane was keen to help her.
► eager wanting very much to do, get, or see something soon: · A crowd of eager fans were waiting outside the hotel.eager to do something: · She hurried home from college, eager to hear Tom's news.eager for: · Simon was an ambitious man, eager for power and prestige.
► be full of enthusiasm to be very enthusiastic about an idea or plan, and talk about it with great excitement: · We've discussed the idea and she seems to be full of enthusiasm.be full of enthusiasm for: · Roger was full of enthusiasm for Tony's plan.
► be/get excited about something to be enthusiastic about something that is going to happen: · It was a great opportunity, and I began to get really excited about it.· Astronomers are very excited about a comet that will pass close to Earth later this month.
► be raring to go to be extremely enthusiastic and excited about something that you are going to do, so that you cannot wait to begin: · Come on, hurry up. The kids are raring to go.· It's going to be a tough game, but the whole team's ready and raring to go.
► zealous extremely enthusiastic about something such as a political or religious idea which you believe in very strongly, and behaving in a way that shows this: a zealous believer/opponent/supporter etc: · Only the most zealous supporters of Thatcherism were in favour of the tax.zealous in doing something: · Some of the officers were more zealous than others in enforcing the disciplinary code.
a zealous preacher zealous political activistsbe zealous in (doing) something No one was more zealous than Neil in supporting the proposal.—zealously adverb