This list includes 4 Emotions that start with Z, from “Zeal” to “Zest”. These terms are energetic and mostly positive, useful for writing, teaching, and therapy.

[Emotions that start with Z] are a small group of feelings often marked by energy or keen interest. For example, “zeal” appears in historical accounts describing passionate commitment and social movements.

Below you’ll find the table with Emotion, Type, Definition, and Example.

Emotion: The emotion name helps you pick the exact word for tone, character voice, or precise emotional nuance.

Type: Indicates whether the feeling is positive, negative, or neutral, so you can filter choices by mood quickly.

Definition: A concise one-sentence meaning that gives you a clear grasp of the feeling without specialist jargon.

Example: A brief sentence showing everyday usage so you can see how the emotion appears in context.

Emotions that start with Z

NameTypeTypical intensity (1-10)Example sentence
ZealPositive7She tackled the campaign with zeal from the first day.
ZestPositive6He approached new challenges with unusual zest and humor.
ZealousnessPositive7Her zealousness for reform sometimes overruled cautious advice.
ZealotryNegative9His zealotry closed him off to other viewpoints.

Descriptions

Zeal
A fervent, energetic enthusiasm or passion for a cause or goal; attested in major dictionaries as an affective state.
Zest
Lively enthusiasm or gusto for life or activities; commonly used to describe spirited enjoyment and energy.
Zealousness
The quality of being zealous—passionate commitment or fervor—often used synonymously with zeal in dictionaries.
Zealotry
An extreme, intolerant form of zeal that becomes fanatical; used negatively in social and psychological descriptions.
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