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 Yolo County dedicated a bus in Corona’s honor, and the Sacramento Police Department named a helicopter after her. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026 The Frenchman will dedicate himself exclusively to the French house. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026 The gym chain, one of the largest in the world, is dedicating more space to weights and resistance machines as strength training surges in popularity. Ellie Austin, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026 Dokoupil, too, has spoken about helping viewers make up their own minds, with his CBS Evening News dedicating one of its five core principles to that very issue. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dedicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate
Verb
  • The Spanish chef’s fine-dining concept is an homage to the glories of the world’s oceans, with a strong emphasis on the bounty of the local waters that includes lionfish, Mahi Mahi, and an entire menu section devoted entirely to various renditions of conch.
    Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
  • But Man-su, who has devoted his life to the careful cultivation of paper products while everyone else has gone digital, has an easier time setting his crime in motion than in executing it.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Keeping Tabs on Car and Insurance-Related Documents Good documentation helps save time and stress during claims or disputes.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • After first responders tried to save her at the scene, she was taken to Hennepin Healthcare and pronounced dead.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dedicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dedicate. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on dedicate

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