dedicate

verb

ded·​i·​cate ˈde-di-ˌkāt 

also ˈde-ˌdē-

dedicated; dedicating

transitive verb

1

: to devote to the worship of a divine being

specifically : to set apart (a church) to sacred uses with solemn rites

2

a

: to set apart to a definite use

money dedicated to their vacation fund

b

: to commit to a goal or way of life

ready to dedicate his life to public service

3

: to inscribe or address by way of compliment

dedicate a book to a friend

4

: to open to public use

dedicator

ˈde-di-ˌkā-tər 

also ˈde-ˌdē-

noun

Synonyms of dedicate

• devote
• save

Choose the Right Synonym for dedicate

devote, dedicate, consecrate, hallow 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

dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose.

dedicated her life to medical research

consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality.

consecrate a church to the worship of God

hallow, often differing little from dedicate or consecrate, may distinctively imply an attribution of intrinsic sanctity.

battlegrounds hallowed by the blood of patriots

Examples of dedicate in a Sentence

The new park was dedicated today.

a young attorney who has decided to dedicate her career to helping the poor receive justice

Recent Examples on the Web

Carson dedicated her life and work to nature and the environment. —Literary Hub, 8 June 2026

In contrast to their peers, some of whom may have never heard of Elvis, the competitors have dedicated an enormous amount of time and energy studying the king's voice, mannerisms and style. —ABC News, 8 June 2026

Noting that Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett also died last week, Hamlin dedicated his third win this season to Busch and his family. —CBS News, 8 June 2026

Inside, Garcia-Jahrman said Good Girl will take shape as a colorful, maximalist bookstore and cafe with dark green walls, vintage furniture and shelves dedicated entirely to romance. —Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 7 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dedicate

• dedicate to

Rhymes for dedicate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

dedicate

verb

ded·​i·​cate

ˈded-i-ˌkāt

dedicated; dedicating

1

: to set apart for some purpose and especially a sacred or serious purpose

2

: to address or inscribe as a compliment

dedicated her book to her mother

dedicator

-ˌkāt-ər

noun