Synonyms of devote

devote

verb

di-ˈvōt 

1

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

• dedicate
• save
• allocate
• set apart
• set by
• give up (to)
• reserve
• consecrate
• earmark
• use
• set aside
• entrust
• bless
• commit
• employ
• apply
• confide
• intrust
• sanctify
• bestow
• hallow
• consign

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• misuse
• misapply

2

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

• apply
• give
• commit
• spend
• address
• get cracking
• buckle
• work
• bend
• turn a hand
• get with it
• readdress
• busy
• exert
• engage
• get one's act together
• set (to)
• involve
• turn one's hand
• reapply
• settle (down)
• concern
• wear out
• trouble
• exhaust
• stress
• tax
• knuckle down
• put out
• carry on
• plunge (in)
• pitch in
• hustle
• plug (away)
• plow
• grind
• peg (away)
• strain
• hump
• plod

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• play
• dawdle
• idle
• trifle
• fool around
• fiddle (around)
• putter (around)
• mess around
• monkey (around)
• potter (around)
• dally
• dillydally

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of devote

The cartel devotes significant energy to extorting avocado producers, and one recent report found that 80% of the avocado orchards in Michoacan were established illegally. —Max Saltman, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025

Often, there’s no one among the younger members of their families who both shares their passion and is willing to devote the time and resources needed to take care of the collections, much less expand them. —Bob Carlson, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025

Artist’s Muse and Sonic Healer: Alice Coltrane, a jazz virtuoso who devoted much of her life to a spiritual journey, is a beacon for today’s artists. —Vidhya Nagarajan, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025

While fallen comrades like Norm Macdonald are feted throughout the night, the In Memoriam is devoted instead to sketches that have aged horribly. —Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025