devote

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb devote contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of devote are consecrate, dedicate, and hallow. While all these words mean "to set apart for a special and often higher end," devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective.

devoted his evenings to study

When is it sensible to use consecrate instead of devote?

The words consecrate and devote are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality.

consecrate a church to the worship of God

When could dedicate be used to replace devote?

While in some cases nearly identical to devote, dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose.

dedicated her life to medical research

When would hallow be a good substitute for devote?

Although the words hallow and devote have much in common, 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 devote According to the company, with a head of editorial content at American Vogue, Wintour will be able to devote more time across Vogue’s international brands, as well as her role at Conde Nast. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025 Just as Boeing’s Max inventory grew, the company similarly had to devote time and resources to a shadow factory in Everett, designed for reworking the company’s widebody 787 Dreamliner. Lauren Rosenblatt, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025 She's devoted herself to Liam and has done a really wonderful job raising him. Erin Clack, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025 The experience led Schlep to devote himself to outing would-be groomers and child abusers. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for devote
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devote
Verb
  • Founded in 2001, Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Bessemer dedicates months to gathering, validating, and examining submission data that forms the foundation of The Cloud 100.
    Bessemer Venture Partners, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The legislation will limit repayment options and cap borrowing limits for graduate students, including eliminating Graduate PLUS loans, forcing more students to apply for private loans or reconsider their education options.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • While mopping, its spinning pads apply 12 Newtons of downward pressure and spin at up to 200 rotations per minute (RPM).
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to that, a membership gives you access to Prime Video, with unlimited streaming and original programming.
    Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025
  • There is tremendous demand to be part of NFL team ownership and, relative to other leagues, very few sales or transfers of ownership stakes give a buyer controlling interest in a team.
    Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • McBee also admitted to committing additional fraud in 2019 and 2020.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Those who dismissed intersectionality saw such policies as little more than allowing the disadvantaged to commit crimes without consequences to make up for past inequities, afflicting crime victims from the same disadvantaged communities.
    John Scott Lewinski, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • More on that decision and a list of other schools that have decided to spend cash on volleyball here.
    Payton Titus, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Tony didn’t find out about their daughter until after Ziva’s death, then father and daughter spent several years together before Ziva revealed the truth.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Devote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devote. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on devote

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