Definition of dedicatenext
as in to devote
to keep or intend for a special purpose a young attorney who has decided to dedicate her career to helping the poor receive justice

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb dedicate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dedicate are consecrate, devote, and hallow. While all these words mean "to set apart for a special and often higher end," dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose.

dedicated her life to medical research

Where would consecrate be a reasonable alternative to dedicate?

The synonyms consecrate and dedicate are sometimes interchangeable, but consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality.

consecrate a church to the worship of God

When might devote be a better fit than dedicate?

Although the words devote and dedicate have much in common, devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective.

devoted his evenings to study

In what contexts can hallow take the place of dedicate?

While in some cases nearly identical to dedicate, hallow, often differing little from dedicate or consecrate, may distinctively imply an attribution of intrinsic sanctity.

battlegrounds hallowed by the blood of patriots

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 dedicate Rodrigo dedicated the performance to the five Justices who voted in favor of the decision, and called them out by name. Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 Its advanced chip features dedicated Neural Accelerators to drive on-device Apple Intelligence AI tools smoothly on iPadOS 26. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 15 June 2026 Canonized as a saint by Pope Francis in 2016, Mother Teresa urged Catholics to dedicate themselves to service. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026 In addition to its wide variety of equipment, apparel and other golf gear and technology, PGA Tour Superstore now has dedicated indoor simulator showrooms in all 82 of its stores nationwide. Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dedicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate
Verb
  • Their biggest clash of all is over a ballot measure sponsored by SEIU-UHW that would levy a 5% tax on the wealth of California’s roughly 200 billionaires and devote nearly all of its revenue to propping up health care.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
  • Kawar has devoted much of her life to documenting, collecting, and showcasing embroidered clothing, jewellery, and objects of daily life from settlements across West Asia.
    News Desk, Artforum, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • John Hoffman credits his daughter, Hope, for calling 911 and saving their lives.
    Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield, CBS News, 14 June 2026
  • This act may save lives of others in the path of dangerous weather.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dedicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dedicate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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