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 At the same time, parcel carriers have shown growing concern about dedicating a portion of their packages to Amazon. Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, land use data from the mayor’s office shows that the Kigali master plan has dedicated nearly a quarter of land — 22% — to agriculture. ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026 Freedom of Information Oklahoma, which promotes government transparency, dedicates the yearly Black Hole Award to an individual, agency or organization that has most obstructed the free flow of information. Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 7 Apr. 2026 Throughout the year, Westwood Terrace dedicates 90 minutes daily to math, reading and writing, Knapp said. Noah Alcala Bach, San Antonio Express-News, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dedicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate
Verb
  • The upper levels are devoted exclusively to computer science, with administrative offices, individual faculty offices, and smaller research and study spaces for students.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • But the destruction cuts deep for the couple, who have devoted their lives to sharing the joy of music.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Animal Control would have to save about 600 more pets annually to meet that goal.
    Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The material is already on-site, saving the museum shipping and insurance costs.
    Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dedicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dedicate. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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