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 16-track set is a truly thrilling journey through the relentless ambition and restless psyche of a young Black woman who’s dedicated her life to navigating the notoriously tumultuous music industry. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026 The Chicago archdiocese recognized Rubey's work this year by dedicating in his honor a memorial to the lives lost to suicide and their surviving families. — Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026 Established in 2022, the Albies showcase the achievements of individuals who have dedicated their life to pursuing justice on a global scale, often taking on great personal risk in the process. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026 Wyandotte County commissioners agreed to dedicate up to $450 million in new local sales tax dollars generated on 236 acres in western KCK to go toward paying off debt taken out to pay for the stadium’s construction. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dedicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate
Verb
  • The power of people All of this knowledge has accumulated because people value birds and have devoted enormous time and effort to understanding them.
    — Amy L. Scarpignato, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond his commercial success, Appignani devoted his later years to civic engagement, philanthropy and promoting humanistic values.
    — Sergio R. Bustos, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In what was actually an uneventful game for nearly three full quarters, each squad decided to save their best theatrics until the final minutes.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The Texas Senate race is the most expensive race in the country right now, and Republicans are pouring $200 million to save the nominee there.
    — Jacob Brogan, Vox, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dedicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dedicate. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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