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 Ben Crump has dedicated much of his career to representing the families of Black people who were killed in wrongful death lawsuits. Cameron Joseph, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025 Chilean investment firm Screen Capital has acquired Versatile Communications Inc. to launch the region’s first multi-platform hub dedicated entirely to horror and fantasy content. Jamie Lang, Variety, 21 May 2025 That milestone was recognized at the start of this past season, with the Heat dedicating its home court to Riley. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025 By cutting $260 million, ARPA-E can dedicate its resources to funding a narrower set of high-risk, high-reward programs that could make a significant contribution to America’s energy goals. Jack Spencer, Boston Herald, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dedicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate
Verb
  • Islam recommends devoting no more than 5% of your portfolio to thematic ETFs, for example.
    Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 23 May 2025
  • Regardless of high prices, Bulgari’s Creative Director Lucia Silvestri has devoted herself to making the pieces more wearable, articulated, and comfortable on the body.
    Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Vogue, 20 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 29 May. 2025.

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