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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

Example 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 No other flower has commands devotion and adoration as much as roses and in the pages of this book, in photographs that are at once achingly beautiful and resplendent, the author captures the enduring beauty of the rose. Blue Carreon, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 What makes a child serious could be called devotion. Patrycja Humienik, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 The song thrives on a mix of passion, devotion, and material flexing, with Page weaving through memories of late-night connections and heartfelt gestures. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 10 Mar. 2025 Toni Kroos’ devotion to his Adidas Adipure 11s is a legend. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • For nearly four years, a dog named Shawn has been patiently waiting for a second chance at love—and a home to call his own.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Their love interests also showcase the differences between the identical twins: Smoke’s former love is Annie (a wise, raw, and riveting Wunmi Mosaku), a spiritual medicine woman still reeling from the grief of losing their infant child, whose potions and hoodoo knowledge come in handy later.
    Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That demands real action, dedication, and daily commitment.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
  • His father, an attorney of Irish immigrant descent, worked tirelessly while his mother managed their household of six children with the same dedication.
    Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Books The Faithless Generation Paul Baumann Traditional religion thrives in stable communities, not a world where innovators aim to ‘break things.’ Books Lies, Damned Lies, and Ideology John O’Sullivan The ideological lie persists, demanding compulsion to enforce its vision.
    Mary Katharine Ham, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Huge ideas concerning faith and religion also don’t amount to much.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For instance, not only do koala parents prioritize frequent physical affection like cuddling and hugs, there also is an abundance of emotional warmth.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Most people probably have a general sense that physical affection matters in a relationship.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Strong connections drive loyalty, turning readers into advocates.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The sitting President, elected on an explicit platform of revenge against his political enemies, entered office by instituting loyalty tests, banning words, purging civil servants, and installing an F.B.I. director who made his name promising to punish his boss’s critics.
    Julia Angwin, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Christ True Church and the Virginia Beach baptisms Small and family-oriented, Jesus Christ True Church, 2145 NW 50th St., is a nondenominational church that’s a part of the Apostolic faith, which means it’s rooted in Pentecostal beliefs.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Yet faith, as the twentieth-century theologian Paul Tillich said, requires risk.
    Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Which parent, like William, hasn’t wanted to share their passion with their children?
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This might mean finishing grad school, traveling the world, focusing on a creative passion or just enjoying the spontaneity that comes with not having to answer to anyone else.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Recognitions such as being named one of Fort Worth’s Top 500 Most Influential People and receiving awards like Entrepreneur of Excellence and Community Advocate of the Year highlight my commitment to serving our city.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Notwithstanding recent moments of tension around Israel, the Catholic Church has affirmed time and time again its commitment to fighting antisemitism and appreciating Judaism as a sibling tradition.
    Joshua Stanton, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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