If you describe someone as a zealot, you think that their views and actions are very extreme, especially in following a particular political or religious belief.
[disapproval]
He was forceful, but by no means a zealot.
Synonyms: fanatic, enthusiast, extremist, militant More Synonyms of zealot
zealot in British English
(ˈzɛlət)
noun
an immoderate, fanatical, or extremely zealous adherent to a cause, esp a religious one
Word origin
C16: from Late Latin zēlōtēs, from Greek, from zēloun to be zealous, from zēloszeal
Zealot in British English
(ˈzɛlət)
noun
any of the members of an extreme Jewish sect or political party that resisted all aspects of Roman rule in Palestine in the 1st century ad
zealot in American English
(ˈzɛlət)
noun
1.
a person who is zealous, esp. to an extreme degree; fanatic
2. [Z-]
among the ancient Jews, a member of a radical political and religious sect that openly resisted Roman rule in Palestine
SYNONYMY NOTE: zealot implies extreme or excessive devotion to a cause and vehement activity in its support[zealots of reform]; fanatic suggests the unreasonable overzealousness of one who goes to any length to maintainor carry out his or her beliefs [a temperance fanatic]; an enthusiast is one who is animated by an intense and eager interest in an activity, cause, etc.[a sports enthusiast]; bigot implies blind and intolerant devotion to a creed, opinions, etc. [a religious bigot]
Derived forms
zealotry (ˈzealotry)
noun
Word origin
LL(Ec) zelotes, one who is jealous < Gr zēlōtēs, zealous follower < zēloun, to be zealous < zēlos, zeal
Examples of 'zealot' in a sentence
zealot
Most disturbingly for friends and relatives, the disappearances have been seized upon by religious zealots in what they say is an attempt to have the men killed.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
There will also be announcements on curbing the excesses of health and safety zealots.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Health and safety zealots are on the march again.
The Sun (2012)
You got rid of your religious zealots and sent them to us.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It does not need more religious zealots who compel others to their viewpoint by force.
Christianity Today (2000)
This is not about religious zealots.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Most importantly, the peer hopes to tackle the fear engendered by health and safety zealots.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Unlike religious zealots, they want to enjoy the fruits of their criminal activities in this world.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We're not zealots in any religious sense.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
During the past fortnight it feels like Britain has enjoyed a holiday from the health and safety zealots.
The Sun (2012)
Their families did not consider them to be religious zealots, and some were knownto drink alcohol.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
HEALTH zealots want to ban motorists from smoking and driving.
The Sun (2007)
That is why I am opposed to ideological zealots who want firms to fire at will.
The Sun (2012)
Sadly, they were wrong: they had not reckoned with religious zealots.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
That is why I am so opposed to the ideological zealots who want to encourage British firms to fire at will.
The Sun (2012)
(noun)
Definition
a fanatic or an extreme enthusiast
He was forceful but by no means a zealot.
Synonyms
fanatic
I am not a religious fanatic but I am a Christian.
enthusiast
He is a great sports enthusiast.
extremist
It is believed to be the work of left-wing extremists.
militant
maniac
big-spending football maniacs
fiend (informal)
a strong-tea fiend
bigot
a narrow-minded bigot with pretensions to power
energumen
Additional synonyms
in the sense of bigot
Definition
a person who is intolerant, esp. regarding religion, politics, or race
a narrow-minded bigot with pretensions to power
Synonyms
fanatic,
racist,
extremist,
sectarian,
maniac,
fiend (informal),
zealot,
persecutor,
dogmatist
in the sense of enthusiast
Definition
a person who is very interested in and keen on something
He is a great sports enthusiast.
Synonyms
fan,
supporter,
lover,
follower,
addict,
freak (informal),
admirer,
buff (informal),
fanatic,
devotee,
fiend (informal),
fan club (informal),
adherent,
zealot,
aficionado,
groupie (slang)
in the sense of extremist
Definition
a person who favours or uses extreme or violent methods, esp. to bring about political change
It is believed to be the work of left-wing extremists.
Synonyms
radical,
activist,
militant,
enthusiast,
fanatic,
devotee,
die-hard,
bigot,
zealot,
energumen (archaic)
Nearby words of
zealot
zany
zap
zeal
zealot
zealous
zenith
zero
Synonyms of 'zealot'
zealot
Explore 'zealot' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of fiend
Definition
a person who is extremely interested in or fond of something
a strong-tea fiend
Synonyms
enthusiast,
fan,
addict,
freak (informal),
fanatic,
maniac,
energumen (archaic)
in the sense of maniac
Definition
a person who has a great craving or enthusiasm for something