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 Paul has also dedicated much of her life to animal rights and environmental activism. Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026 Even the executives who prioritized development and dedicated their A&R resources saw mixed results. Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2026 Have dedicated outerwear and boot covers or boots when working with your flock. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026 The center -- a museum and public gathering space in honor of former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama -- will be dedicated on Thursday, June 18, and the campus will open to the public the next day, the foundation said in a press release. Patricio Chile, ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dedicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate
Verb
  • Reports over the years have suggested that lawmakers can devote hours each day to fundraising calls, often dialing donors from offices just steps away from the Capitol itself.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026
  • This year, Nikhil requested a spelling tutor and devoted hours each day to studying word etymologies, languages of origin and specific word sets.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Join MyRecipes—your personal home for recipes—to easily save and organize your favorites, plus thousands more, in one convenient place.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Michael Collodi saved five shots in his third start for Dallas (1-1-1) this season after making nine last year as a rookie.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dedicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dedicate. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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