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 Drew Barrymore dedicated an Instagram carousel to her bestie, Cameron Diaz. Hannah Malach, InStyle, 24 June 2026 For traditional art institutions, dedicating gallery space to sports photography is an unconventional. La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 24 June 2026 Moll recorded several singles in the 1960s and acted steadily through 1970 in films made in Italy, France and Germany before dedicating herself to photography. Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2026 Last year, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that thieves had pried off a bronze plaque dedicating the building to the history of philadelphia from its main entrance. Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dedicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate
Verb
  • Since Israel’s founding, members of the community who devoted themselves to Torah studies have been exempt from the nation’s compulsory military service.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 23 June 2026
  • The album’s first half is all head-over-heels, dreamily devoted love songs, whimsical head rushes turned into music that recalls Lorde, the Cure, and Annie Ernaux.
    Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Energy-saving tips, according to DTE DTE says high temperatures can result in a higher energy bill.
    Stacey DuFord, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • Scheffler missed the fairway, landing his drive on a hill along the right side, while Hovland’s was clean, save for some casual water.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dedicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dedicate. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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