DEVOTE Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'devote' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of devote are consecrate , dedicate , and hallow . While all these words mean "to set apart for a special and often higher end," devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective. // devoted his evenings to study

Q: When is it sensible to use 'consecrate' instead of 'devote'?

The words consecrate and devote are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality. // consecrate a church to the worship of God

Q: When could 'dedicate' be used to replace 'devote'?

While in some cases nearly identical to devote , dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose. // dedicated her life to medical research

Q: When would 'hallow' be a good substitute for 'devote'?

Although the words hallow and devote have much in common, hallow , often differing little from dedicate or consecrate , may distinctively imply an attribution of intrinsic sanctity. // battlegrounds hallowed by the blood of patriots

devote

verb

di-ˈvōt

Definition of devote next

as in to dedicate

to keep or intend for a special purpose I conscientiously devote several hours every weekend to playing with my dog

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to apply

to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention planning a diplomatic career, she's been intensely devoting herself to the study of foreign languages in college

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb devote contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of devote are consecrate, dedicate, and hallow. While all these words mean "to set apart for a special and often higher end," devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective.

devoted his evenings to study

When is it sensible to use consecrate instead of devote?

The words consecrate and devote are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality.

consecrate a church to the worship of God

When could dedicate be used to replace devote?

While in some cases nearly identical to devote, dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose.

dedicated her life to medical research

When would hallow be a good substitute for devote?

Although the words hallow and devote have much in common, hallow, often differing little from dedicate or consecrate, may distinctively imply an attribution of intrinsic sanctity.

battlegrounds hallowed by the blood of patriots

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of devote Once the fighting in Ukraine ends, Russia could devote significantly more resources and attention to the Houthis and other groups or countries that threaten U.S. interests. —

Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2024 Cook, 78, has devoted much of his life to studying and honoring the species. —

Rachel Treisman, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024 Negotiators say the coming bill is expected to devote a chunk of pages to authorizations. —

Aris Folley, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024 Named for the late Father Charlie Strobel, a Nashville native who devoted his life in the priesthood to community service, Strobel House was unveiled in July. —

Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for devote

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devote

Verb

In 2017, the playing surface at the Coliseum was dedicated as Rickey Henderson Field.

Laurence Miedema, The Mercury News, 21 Dec. 2024
Honea was a long-time Marana resident who dedicated his life to public service, according to statement from the town.

Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 21 Dec. 2024