Synonyms of devote

devote

verb

di-ˈvōt 

1

as in to dedicate

to keep or intend for a special purpose

I conscientiously devote several hours every weekend to playing with my dog

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dedicate
• save
• allocate
• set apart
• set by
• give up (to)
• reserve
• consecrate
• earmark
• use
• set aside
• entrust
• bless
• commit
• employ
• confide
• apply
• sanctify
• bestow
• hallow
• consign

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• misuse
• misapply

2

as in to apply

to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention

planning a diplomatic career, she's been intensely devoting herself to the study of foreign languages in college

Synonyms & Similar Words

• apply
• give
• commit
• spend
• address
• get cracking
• buckle
• work
• bend
• get with it
• engage
• busy
• exert
• get one's act together
• set (to)
• turn one's hand
• involve
• reapply
• settle (down)
• readdress
• concern
• wear out
• trouble
• exhaust
• stress
• tax
• knuckle down
• put out
• carry on
• plunge (in)
• pitch in
• hustle
• plug (away)
• plow
• grind
• peg (away)
• strain
• hump
• plod

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• play
• dawdle
• idle
• trifle
• fool around
• fiddle (around)
• putter (around)
• mess around
• monkey (around)
• potter (around)
• dally
• dillydally

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

Recent Examples of devote

In addition to moonlighting in the Marvel universe, Paltrow has largely devoted her time to her category-defining lifestyle business. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026

Cervantes requested the audit at a time when the state Legislature has devoted much of its time toward reigning in federal officers in California, particularly in the realm of immigration enforcement. —Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 2026

The pope devoted more time to promoting causes favored by liberals, such as environmental sustainability and social justice. —Francis X. Rocca, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2026

McGrath devotes a whole chapter to lunch. —Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026