devote

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 Sam has devoted countless hours to volunteer work in both the SHS and Indianapolis communities, and his involvement in Key Club further reflects his dedication to making a difference. Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Dec. 2024 In addition, Wilkerson devotes time to the Chill Foundation, an organization that seeks to inspire young people through board sports and build a more equitable outdoor community. Kyra Kennedy, Outside Online, 6 Dec. 2024 Its five-season run coincided with a period of intense, often sexist public scrutiny focused on Richie in particular, epitomized by a 2006 Vanity Fair profile that devoted the bulk of its 5,000 words to Richie’s weight and appearance. Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Dec. 2024 Tsemel is an Israeli lawyer who has devoted her career to defending Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, including some who have been convicted of violence against Israelis. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for devote 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devote
Verb
  • Local News The goals of a master plan in Palm Beach County include acquiring more land to dedicate toward public parks.
    Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024
  • As the Whitfield family pursues a civil lawsuit against Indianapolis, city officials are promising to dedicate more resources to a program that seeks to prevent situations like this from ever happening.
    Peter Blanchard, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Build Trust Through Small Actions Mentorship thrives on three things: knowing, liking, and trusting someone.
    Dr. Ruth Gotian, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
  • The statewide motor vehicle surtax of 0.03% has been collected since 2003, and applies to all retail sales, leases and transfers of motor vehicles and is used to finance transportation improvements.
    Carleen Johnson | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • And given its volatility, any government purchases or sales could have an outsized impact on bitcoin's price.
    Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss and Lisa Pauline Mattackal, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The economy is going to play a central role in the election, particularly given its sluggish performance under Scholz.
    Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Over his years on Days, Clyde committed murder, rape, and blackmail, displayed both homophobic and misogynistic tendencies, was thrown in and busted out of prison, and ran a drug ring.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Club officials had a plethora of permutations for how this winter would unfold, but had not committed to anything before gathering this week at the Winter Meetings.
    Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The band spent up to 18 hours a day recording and performing at dozens of military bases.
    Julian Ring, NPR, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Journalists and sources alike need vacation time to spend with their families and enjoy holidays, but the demands of a 24/7 news cycle and a daily print newspaper never disappear.
    Eric Larsen, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near devote

Cite this Entry

“Devote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devote. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on devote

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!