1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word devotion distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of devotion are allegiance, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, and piety. While all these words mean "faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty," devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

When could allegiance be used to replace devotion?

While the synonyms allegiance and devotion are close in meaning, allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

When would fealty be a good substitute for devotion?

The words fealty and devotion can be used in similar contexts, but fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

When might fidelity be a better fit than devotion?

In some situations, the words fidelity and devotion are roughly equivalent. However, fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

Where would loyalty be a reasonable alternative to devotion?

The words loyalty and devotion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray.

valued the loyalty of his friends

When is it sensible to use piety instead of devotion?

Although the words piety and devotion have much in common, piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental.

filial piety

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 devotion Although this name has different meanings depending on its origins, many believe the Spanish version of the name is a combination of the names ‘Maria’ and ‘Isabel’ and is a nod to religious devotion. Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 7 Jan. 2025 Here, peruse the top beauty gift sets that have already won our whole-hearted devotion and will soon win yours, too. Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 3 Jan. 2025 The enduring guilt from this defacement was what had sparked his lifelong devotion to the ruins’ conservation. Youmna Melhem Chamieh, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025 Over the long haul, though, people who concentrate more on PRs may enjoy more intrinsic motivation, well-being, and steady devotion to their goals, Elliot says. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for devotion 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • Cheerleaders weren't allowed to mingle with NFL players Don't picture a cinematic high school love story where the football player falls in love with the cheerleader.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Reaching the remarkable age of 100 is a reflection of a life filled with wisdom, love and countless memories cherished.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This initiative reflects Dixon’s dedication to fostering personal growth and uplifting his community.
    William Jones, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
  • This dedication to sustainability is a key differentiator, appealing to environmentally conscious businesses and educational institutions looking to minimize their carbon footprint.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Prior to joining Fox News, Alexandra covered breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.
    Alexandra Koch, Fox News, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Both lawsuits accused Harvard of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars federal funds recipients from allowing discrimination based on race, religion and national origin.
    Jonathan Stempel, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Ted's main rival for Mary's affections is Pat Healy (Dillon), a P.I. who's given up the spying life to win Mary's heart.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Both parties, even amid true affection for each other, may get on one another’s nerves, which is normal in any communal living situation, but especially so post-disaster.
    Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The app will offer opportunities to order espressos to-go and customers can receive loyalty points for each purchase at both wineries.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Lawmakers have also sounded the alarm about Patel’s loyalty to Trump.
    Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In their own ways, each of them had rebelled against their parents’ expectations and against the Mormon faith.
    Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025
  • But the magnetic Ingar ultimately makes sense of a radiantly charismatic but lonely girl for whom friendship has become her faith — something to be trustingly followed into the unknown.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This year’s slate includes passion projects from a myriad of top Hollywood talent who decamped to Park City, Utah, for screenings, panels, and parties.
    David Graver, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The brain of a neurodivergent person is wired for passions and novelty, which trigger the motivation to start and stay engaged with that interesting task, Nordmeyer said.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This commitment is far too robust to be derailed by the absence of any single participant.
    Thais Lopez Vogel, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Trinity’s engagements with Hartford, and its inextricable co-dependencies, are not without flaws, but community commitments and points of progress abound.
    Garth Andrew Myers, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2025

Podcast

Thesaurus Entries Near devotion

Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on devotion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!