DEVOTE Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

devote

verb

di-ˈvōt

Definition of devote next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 But the true revelations come above ground, as the story devotes more time to the outies and their loved ones. —

Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 7 Jan. 2025 Grace Evelyn Reese Adkins devoted her considerable energy and talents as a teacher, writer, composer and minister to promoting Christian beliefs espoused by the Restoration Movement, also known as the Stone-Campbell Movement. —

arkansasonline.com, 4 Jan. 2025 McDaniels, Randle and Reid each scored nine points in the quarter, feasting on opportunities that came because the Celtics were devoting so much attention to Edwards. —

Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025 Fewer than 1% of U.S. physicians are board-certified in obesity medicine, and medical school traditionally devoted limited training in obesity care. —

Maya Goldman, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for devote

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devote

Verb

The village dedicated a new police station as part of the Public Safety Campus in 2018.

— Linda Girardi, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
Homeless advocates, in fact, debate whether the organizations that dedicate money, resources and volunteers to bring food and such may be doing more harm than good.

— Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 13 Jan. 2025