<p>Zinc oxide (ZnO)-based nanomaterials have attracted considerable attention across a wide range of scientific and technological domains due to their distinctive physicochemical characteristics which include chemical stability, high surface area, optical transparency, and conductivity. This review thoroughly explores the primary synthesis methods that include co-precipitation, sonochemical, sol–gel, hydrothermal, chemical vapor deposition, and green method techniques for the synthesis of ZnO-based nanomaterials (NMs) and their catalytic uses. Novel techniques like sol–gel and green synthesis are given particular attention since they provide ecologically friendly and scalable methods for synthesis ZnO-based nanostructures. In addition to synthesis, the paper explores the various catalytic uses of ZnO photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. ZnO has become more and more popular as a catalyst for its affordability, stability, adjustable shape, and capacity to accelerate charge transfer processes. Furthermore, a novel approach to improving catalytic efficiency and selectivity has been made possible by the investigation of various factors such as doping, temperature, pH, light intensity, and surface area on catalytic efficiency. The mechanisms of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis are also discussed. It highlights the positive role of ZnO-based NMs in various catalytic applications. This overview concludes the future direction of the exploration of ZnO-based NMs in the field of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.</p>