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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

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 Lowden acknowledges River’s aristocratic pomposity but also sees in the character a genuine care for his colleagues and family, particularly his devotion to his aging grandfather. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024 So Harris’ devotion to our country is a traditional one — the idea of an America rooted in hope for all people, including the vulnerable, the marginalized and even the ones that don’t like her. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 Some music fans feel that fandom and devotion should be considered when granting ticket sale access. Daysia Tolentino, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024 Homicide The legendary Beatle pulls in a reliable income annually due to fans’ everlasting devotion to his music. Lisette Voytko-Best, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for devotion 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • Our love and prayers are with his wife Stephanie, his children, family and friends.
    EW.com, EW.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Thailand is a leading purveyor of boys’ love (aka BL) TV content.
    Patrick Frater, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The path to preserving the planet’s biodiversity will demand resilience, innovation, and dedication.
    David Carlin, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • As the evening shifted from dedication to dance party, the space saw the convergence of a masterclass of art and culture world peers.
    Sam Falb, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Besides working from home more often, U.S. adults are also staying inside more to do other outside-the-home activities, like practicing religion, eating, and drinking.
    Maggie O'Neill, Health, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Other religions and cultures treat that as a possibility.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • It had initially been thought this was a sign of affection toward their owners, or a gift to their owner who is incapable of hunting themselves.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Some conservative pundits and Trump supporters online criticized Gus Walz's show of affection, though several deleted their posts after learning about his disability.
    Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • To address the issue and restore customer loyalty, the complaint suggests that Chipotle would need to increase portion sizes, which would, in turn, raise the company’s cost of sales.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Macrinus is, at least, self-motivated, while Lucius reads as indifferent until the script requires him to make an abrupt shift in loyalties.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Passion and faith should be trusted more than analysis and facts.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Francis has frequently used social media to share passages of scripture, reflections on his faith and his opinions of world events since becoming the head of the Catholic Church in 2013.
    Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The dedication and passion shown by individuals like Nichole Latrese Gardner and her team are inspiring.
    Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • In today’s business culture where team members are searching for more purpose and passion in their career choices, companies who still believe that business is not personal risk going the way of the dinosaurs.
    Meridith Alexander, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Hurricanes may reinforce denial and commitment to a worldview that rejects climate change.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
  • This is a commitment to sharing Alo Yoga’s vision of mindful movement and premium athleisure with Brazil’s dynamic and rapidly growing wellness community.
    Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on devotion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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