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 The Chinese government also reclaimed land from other industries and businesses and dedicated it to agriculture. Caitlin Welsh, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2026 Of that seven-figure spending spree, the Government That Works PAC has dedicated $124,000 in advertising dollars to defeat Collins. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026 Second, understand and respect your time limits, dedicating specific hours weekly and prioritizing other life commitments to avoid overwork. Chelsea Tobin, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 But his longest film to date — at over two hours — definitely benefits from a more palpable emotional hook at its center, reportedly inspired by the director’s own parents, to whom the film is dedicated. Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dedicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate
Verb
  • Most parenting plans address physical custody and time-sharing, but many devote little attention to the challenges of managing a child’s education and extracurricular activities.
    Rebecca L. Palmer, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
  • As a result, many web hosting services offer the platform, with WP Engine devoting all its resources to it.
    Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Andre Blake saved two shots for Philadelphia, which has won four in a row under 37-year-old interim coach Ryan Richter after Bradley Carnell was let go in late May.
    CBS New York Team, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Messi had a shot saved at the beginning of the second half, but Palacios then sparked a move from one side of the pitch to the other as Nashville restored its lead in the 49th minute and seized control of the game.
    Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dedicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dedicate. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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