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
• apply
• confide
• intrust
• 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
• turn a hand
• get with it
• readdress
• busy
• exert
• engage
• get one's act together
• set (to)
• involve
• turn one's hand
• reapply
• settle (down)
• 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

Robert Prevost devoted most of his pastoral ministry to the northwest of Peru. —Raúl E. Zegarra, Time, 17 May 2025

The agency has devoted itself to rooting out prejudice in the housing market since the Fair Housing Act was signed into law in 1968, one week after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. —Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 15 May 2025

Some 41 years later in 2024 and have devoted herself to a successful political career, adult Marlene strives to make meaningful societal change. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 May 2025

Arantxa devotes half her verse to saying her name, Dovima looks bored, Vulcano is an awkward, lumbering giant, and everyone looks like they’re dressed for a different universe. —Barry Levitt, Vulture, 12 May 2025