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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 Here, the broad themes are resurrection, mental illness, mass murder and religious devotion. Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024 For Matt Werth, founder of New York record label RVNG Intl., the devotion goes both ways. Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 9 Dec. 2024 What is clear, however, is that Yass’s ownership stake in ByteDance has fueled concerns in Washington about whether Trump’s reversal was influenced by donor priorities rather than a pure devotion to market competition. Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024 This distinct outfit is yet another example of her stylist’s devotion to boundless creativity. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for devotion 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • But Samra survived, and after university, with a bachelor's and master's in food science, Samra met an American soldier in the U.S. Air Force, fell in love and married.
    Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Divine intervention comes in the form of Dudley (Cary Grant), an angel who helps transform the community for the better — though things take a turn when Dudley falls in love with the titular bishop's wife (Loretta Young).
    Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • This question is a litmus test—a direct check on your dedication to developing hard skills outside formal education.
    Pamela Skillings, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Through dedication to science and compassion for patients, Dr. Halpert and his team are redefining what’s possible in cancer care.
    William Mullane, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Randall Balmer, a religion professor at Dartmouth College, discusses why evangelical Christians turned away from social activism.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
  • What most self-publishers seemed to want to do back then was share their own stories to prove a point about politics, law, or religion.
    Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The object of his affection is a possibly straightish American named Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), who doesn’t always return his ardor in equal measure.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024
  • While there may be something of a one-sided rivalry for her affections right now, Cook is keen to stress that baby and dog get along just great and that the bond will likely only get stronger as Espy grows up and learns more about her four-pawed playmate.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Despite Alaska and Hawaiian operating separately, Alaska Air Group is working on combining the carrier’s loyalty programs.
    William Gavin, Quartz, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Shorter job tenures are becoming the new norm, with professionals prioritizing meaningful outcomes over long-term organizational loyalty.
    Talia Milgrom-Elcott, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Time and again, her poems land on faith as the fuel to catapult us to a yonder she’s dreamed of exploring since her girlhood in Knoxville and Cincinnati.
    L. Lamar Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024
  • That may never happen if the victim or whistleblower fears retribution or lacks faith in the system.
    Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • His dedication extends beyond the classroom, from volunteering to securing a summer internship with IU Cancer Research, all while pursuing a collegiate soccer scholarship and his passion, aiming to become Dr. Kamar’e Carr, world changer!
    Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Completing the trifecta of air, land, and sea, Anthony has maintained his passion for rowing, sitting as a board member of the Monica Burguera Foundation, which focuses on safety education for boaters.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • President-elect Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to Hegseth as a nominee despite controversy.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Trump's, arguing against alliance expansion until current members meet their defense spending commitments of 2 percent GDP.
    Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near devotion

Cite this Entry

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

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