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 If the community dedicated at least 4.4 square miles of surrounding land to additional agricultural projects, that would close the gap for adequate food stores. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 May 2025 Endrick also dedicated his two goals in extra time against Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey in January to the Germany international. Liam Twomey, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Some fosters dedicate a spare bedroom to fostering, while others use a bathroom or even a pet tent. Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 Money will be dedicated from state comptroller funds and money appropriated by the Indiana General Assembly, according to bill documents, and money will be withheld for 10 years. Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dedicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate
Verb
  • Some 41 years later in 2024 and have devoted herself to a successful political career, adult Marlene strives to make meaningful societal change.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 May 2025
  • Arantxa devotes half her verse to saying her name, Dovima looks bored, Vulcano is an awkward, lumbering giant, and everyone looks like they’re dressed for a different universe.
    Barry Levitt, Vulture, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • To say that is an insult to the years of painful work my wife has done to save herself.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Fire department personnel were already there, trying to save Davis with CPR.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dedicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dedicate. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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