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 a 25-page memorandum explaining his decision, Reilly said Judge Daniel Klau only devoted a single paragraph to a claim of ordinary negligence. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026

Buenos Aires teaches you how to devote yourself to creativity, romance and passion unapologetically. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026

But if Rubio is serious about breaking China's grip on critical minerals, his summit should devote equal attention to building up the secondary market for recycled materials. —Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Firm research shows mom-and-pop investors are typically devoting only a small portion of their overall portfolios to these speculative plays, while keeping most of their money in more traditional investments. —Yun Li,kate Rooney,alex Harring, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026