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 The answer gets tricky Jan. 10, 2025 But the department faced those same challenges in 2011, and that did not stop commanders from devoting many more engines to the fire zones before the winds roared into the city, according to the records and interviews. —

Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025 In early 2022, Blinken devoted much of his time and energy to the situation in Ukraine, traveling to world capitals to make the case to support Ukraine. —

Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025 Also for the first time, the NAMM Show will devote its opening two days entirely to intensive educational programs, rather than spread them out through the event’s entire run. —

George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025 Hoppus has survived a terrifying health ordeal, and is ready to devote himself full-time to music. —

Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for devote

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devote

Verb

Since then, Project Pat has dedicated his time to spreading the word of God in prisons and founded the non-profit Go Foundation, which focuses on prison ministry.

— Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
Oracle will dedicate its forthcoming data center in Abilene, Texas — which is initially expected to draw 1.2 gigawatts, or enough electricity to power Austin, according to The Information — to Stargate.

— Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025