This study investigates lead-free BaTiO3 (BT) perovskite ceramics, unraveling the synergistic effects arising from simultaneous homovalent (Zr) and heterovalent (Nb) substitution. Focusing on piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and relaxor behaviors, this research employs a comprehensive suite of analyses, including temperature-dependent
dielectric measurements, polarization-electric field hysteresis loops, and bipolar strain measurements. Significantly, our study unveils that the simultaneous substitution of Zr and Nb in the BT lattice induces roomtemperature relaxor behavior at relatively low concentrations (5 % Zr and 3 % Nb), yielding higher permittivity and larger maximum polarization compared to single element (Zr or Nb) substituted BT relaxors. Bipolar strain measurements showcase substantial large-signal d33* values (~250 pm/V) across a broad temperature range (–50 ◦C to 30 ◦C) for BT ceramics with simultaneous 5 % Zr and 2 % Nb substitution. This research advances understanding of homovalent and heterovalent substitution in BT ceramics and opens avenues for tailoring properties to suit specific applications.