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 Bobenko and his frequent collaborator Tim Hoffmann have dedicated nearly two decades to developing a theory for how to preserve the most salient geometric features of smooth surfaces using discrete ones. Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 20 Jan. 2026 In 2016, Astor formed a concierge law practice dedicated exclusively to helping families and individuals affected by mental-health and substance-related challenges. William Jones, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026 However, in the Senate, one of the most vocal opponents of the holiday was Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC), who expressed concern about dedicating a national holiday to a man who'd had communist sympathizers as advisors. Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 19 Jan. 2026 Vaughan’s work was also integral, leading NASA to dedicate building 12 at the Johnson Space Center to her on the 55th anniversary of the landing. Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dedicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate
Verb
  • But if Rubio is serious about breaking China's grip on critical minerals, his summit should devote equal attention to building up the secondary market for recycled materials.
    Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Firm research shows mom-and-pop investors are typically devoting only a small portion of their overall portfolios to these speculative plays, while keeping most of their money in more traditional investments.
    Yun Li,Kate Rooney,Alex Harring, CNBC, 27 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 28 Jan. 2026.

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