Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun zeal

3 senses of zeal

Sense 1
ardor, ardour, elan, zeal -- (a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause); "they were imbued with a revolutionary ardor"; "he felt a kind of religious zeal")
       => eagerness, avidity, avidness, keenness -- (a positive feeling of wanting to push ahead with something)

Sense 2
zeal -- (excessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end; "he had an absolute zeal for litigation")
       => ardor, ardour, fervor, fervour, fervency, fire, fervidness -- (feelings of great warmth and intensity; "he spoke with great ardor")

Sense 3
readiness, eagerness, zeal, forwardness -- (prompt willingness; "readiness to continue discussions"; "they showed no eagerness to spread the gospel"; "they disliked his zeal in demonstrating his superiority"; "he tried to explain his forwardness in battle")
       => willingness -- (cheerful compliance; "he expressed his willingness to help")