Synonyms of devote

devote

verb

di-ˈvōt 

1

as in to dedicate

to keep or intend for a special purpose

I conscientiously devote several hours every weekend to playing with my dog

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dedicate
• save
• allocate
• set apart
• set by
• give up (to)
• reserve
• consecrate
• earmark
• use
• set aside
• entrust
• bless
• commit
• employ
• apply
• confide
• intrust
• sanctify
• bestow
• hallow
• consign

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• misuse
• misapply

2

as in to apply

to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention

planning a diplomatic career, she's been intensely devoting herself to the study of foreign languages in college

Synonyms & Similar Words

• apply
• give
• commit
• spend
• address
• get cracking
• buckle
• work
• bend
• turn a hand
• get with it
• readdress
• busy
• exert
• engage
• get one's act together
• set (to)
• involve
• turn one's hand
• reapply
• settle (down)
• concern
• wear out
• trouble
• exhaust
• stress
• tax
• knuckle down
• put out
• carry on
• plunge (in)
• pitch in
• hustle
• plug (away)
• plow
• grind
• peg (away)
• strain
• hump
• plod

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• play
• dawdle
• idle
• trifle
• fool around
• fiddle (around)
• putter (around)
• mess around
• monkey (around)
• potter (around)
• dally
• dillydally

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb devote contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of devote are consecrate, dedicate, and hallow. While all these words mean "to set apart for a special and often higher end," devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective.

devoted his evenings to study

When is it sensible to use consecrate instead of devote?

The words consecrate and devote are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality.

consecrate a church to the worship of God

When could dedicate be used to replace devote?

While in some cases nearly identical to devote, dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose.

dedicated her life to medical research

When would hallow be a good substitute for devote?

Although the words hallow and devote have much in common, 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

Recent Examples of devote

Track and field superstar Davis-Woodhall, who won the gold medal for women’s long jump at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, surprised the crowd by noting how precious little airtime is devoted on sports networks to track and field — despite the growth in the number of outlets chasing sports deals. —Giana Levy, Variety, 20 June 2025

Spain currently has the lowest military spending among member nations, devoting 1.3 percent of its GDP to defense spending last year, according to reports from Politico EU. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 19 June 2025

Roberts’ 24-page majority opinion was devoted almost entirely to explaining why the Tennessee law, called SB1, should be evaluated under the lower standard of review. —Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025

With little else on the election calendar in the early months of 2025, national Democrats devoted time, energy and money to the race, which received enormous publicity. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025