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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 The story explores a powerful bond between friends that defies conventional definitions of love and takes them on a journey that reshapes their understanding of legacy, intimacy and devotion. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025 Finally playing alongside her in Chicago, what stood out wasn’t just Parker’s talent, but her relentless devotion while juggling motherhood, a broadcasting career and a championship run. —Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025 Paul Libin’s devotion to both the artistry and the humanity of the theater made an indelible mark on Broadway and stages beyond. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 June 2025 Sparks told The Wall Street Journal that Noah’s devotion to reading Allie the story of their lives to help bring back her memory was also inspired by his ex-grandfather-in-law. —Nicole Briese, People.com, 25 June 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
  • If so, as in if and when the next commercial visionary happens on a new idea that investors gradually fall in love with, the typical retirement investor stands to prosper substantially thanks to the genius of compounding.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • His hunger for movies and TV series is only matched by his love for video games.
    — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of love
Noun
  • Duckworth encourages readers to cultivate long-term dedication to their goals, overcome setbacks, and maintain a growth mindset to achieve excellence.
    — Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Soliman's case has attracted wide attention since about 75 supporters held a press conference about his case just after his arrest: Local parents and medical professionals have been writing the immigration court, extolling his dedication to sick children.
    — Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
Definition of dedication
Noun
  • The Revolution set the stage for a new nation based not on ethnicity or geography or religion, but on striving for democratic principles.
    — Time, Time, 10 July 2025
  • Kingsley said this is the million dollar question about religion.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
Definition of religion
Noun
  • The point isn’t just that stalwart reporter Lois Lane (played here, appealingly enough, by Rachel Brosnahan) can swoon over Superman and feel only mild affection for Clark Kent, ostensibly because women tend to go for the hot guy over the nice one.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 July 2025
  • The song captures Secor’s complicated affections for a city that is rapidly changing.
    — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 11 July 2025
Definition of affection
Noun
  • Your ability to fully engage with your team, even for a few minutes, can build trust and loyalty far faster than long meetings filled with distractions.
    — Dr. Eric George, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • At the checkout and after entering your Kroger loyalty ID or scanning a loyalty card, shoppers can scan a barcode on the flyer that downloads all the Weekly Digital Deals offered that week at once to the customer's loyalty card.
    — Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of loyalty
Noun
  • Reagan restored the country’s faith after the national traumas of the Vietnam era and won passage of a significant tax reform bill and a major immigration measure, though his efforts to tame mounting federal deficits proved largely unsuccessful.
    — Carl Leubsdorf, Mercury News, 12 July 2025
  • Isiah, who declined to provide his last name to The Times because of concerns about his immigration status, prayed the rosary as a substitute for two weeks before his faith brought him back to church.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Definition of faith
Noun
  • McMichael's family told KFOR, an NBC affiliate, that purchasing livestock was a passion for him.
    — Nicole Brown Chau July 14, CBS News, 14 July 2025
  • The family’s true farm-to-table lifestyle—growing fresh fruits and vegetables, raising chickens, hogs, and cattle—instilled in Mike a lasting passion for fresh ingredients and an appreciation for how meals can tell a story, bring people together, and celebrate heritage.
    — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of passion
Noun
  • Yes, Trump disdains core elements of U.S. globalism, from the international trade system America established to its promotion of democratic values and its defense commitments around the world.
    — Hal Brands, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
  • This willingness to be imperfect fosters trust and demonstrates a genuine commitment to the journey of inclusion.
    — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 13 July 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 22 Jul. 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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