devotion

noun

di-ˈvō-shən How to pronounce devotion (audio)
Definition of devotionnext
1
as in love
a feeling of strong or constant regard for and dedication to someone Albert Schweitzer was world-renowned for his devotion to his fellow man

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dedication
adherence to something to which one is bound by a pledge or duty the knight's fierce devotion to his lord

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in religion
belief and trust in and loyalty to God a people of deep spirituality and indomitable devotion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 In the islander’s eyes, the giant imagines the depth of our hero’s devotion to make such a sacrifice. —Hazlitt, 13 May 2025 Investors point to Guild’s devotion as a big reason for their bet. —Stephen Pastis, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Linda Moody describes her devotion to her late husband as a combination of profound love and pragmatism. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025 Medieval England was incredibly tied to religious devotion. —Charles Towers-Clark, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
  1. love
  2. dedication
  3. religion
  4. affection
  5. loyalty
  6. faith
  7. passion
  8. commitment
Noun
  • Comments beneath the post were sincere and heartfelt, with over 18,000 people sharing their love for the lab and thanking her family for brightening their days.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • People on campus, in Connecticut and beyond, started falling in love with him.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
Definition of love
Noun
  • The scholarships are awarded to student caddies who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, dedication on the golf course and exemplary character.
    — Jad El Reda, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
  • The guide is in line with the Space System Protection Standard, which summarizes NASA's continuous dedication to supporting the creation of exact cybersecurity standards for its space systems.
    — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of dedication
Noun
  • My follow up was meant to use sarcasm to make a serious point: The First Amendment provisions on religious liberty were written by Madison to prohibit state encroachment on religion, which is exactly what this bill does.
    — James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
  • The Australian filmmaker looked to his own childhood, raised by monks, to find the spiritual fairy tale that now manifests via the film’s eponymous Aboriginal child in a sweeping and poetic portrait of stifled faith and the threat of monopoly on religion.
    — Ella Kemp, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
Definition of religion
Noun
  • The dynamic may be marked by frequent ruptures, including arguments, silent treatment or emotional withdrawal, followed by sudden closeness, reconciliation or affection.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • However, oxytocin levels don't rise from initiating interaction but only when their affection is reciprocated by their peers, which means dogs thrive on mutual companionship.
    — Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Definition of affection
Noun
  • This strategic alignment, with a focus on a seamless customer experience, fuels revenue growth, strengthens customer loyalty, cuts churn and positions the business for success.
    — Julie Thomas, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • This kind of fierce loyalty has been crucial to Dropout’s growth.
    — Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 2 June 2025
Definition of loyalty
Noun
  • Four months into his administration, their faith is being tested.
    — Daniel Byman, The Atlantic, 24 May 2025
  • Leo’s American identity-at a time when two American leaders embody opposing visions of democracy-places him at the intersection of a deepening global struggle over democracy, nationalism, and faith.
    — Emmett Coyne, The Hill, 23 May 2025
Definition of faith
Noun
  • While market opportunity and product-market fit are paramount, successful entrepreneurship often stems from an innate drive and passion for pursuing a vision.
    — Daniel Ramsey, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • On May 24, Saturn will enter Aries for the first time in decades, marking the start of a new era of autonomy and bold passion.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of passion
Noun
  • The former — the college commitment — came a year ago.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 26 May 2025
  • Not even college and pro sports teams approach its commitment to the concept.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
Definition of commitment

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on devotion

Nglish: Translation of devotion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about devotion

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