dedicate

1 of 2

adjective

ded·​i·​cate ˈde-di-kət 

: dedicated sense 1

dedicate

2 of 2

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

Verb

• 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

Verb

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

Adjective

Displayed in a dedicate corner are the latest creations from Chanel Watchers & Fine Jewelry. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 12 Feb. 2026

If jars and bottle are taking over your countertops, relocate them to drawers and create a dedicate space for extra toothbrushes and bobby pins. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 13 Jan. 2026

Verb

Photos and videos of Punch in the enclosure have racked up millions of views and comments as people dedicate their time and emotional wellbeing to the small downturned face. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2026

Host nations typically have a long run-up of preparation—Italy was awarded the 2026 Games seven years ago—meaning the country can dedicate time, money and infrastructure to its Olympic pursuits. —Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin dedicatus, past participle of dedicare to dedicate, from de- + dicare to proclaim, dedicate — more at diction

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dedicate

• dedicate to

Rhymes for dedicate

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

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