DEVOTION Synonyms: 113 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'devotion' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of devotion are allegiance , fealty , fidelity , loyalty , and piety . While all these words mean "faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty," devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication. // a painter's devotion to her art

Q: When could 'allegiance' be used to replace 'devotion'?

While the synonyms allegiance and devotion are close in meaning, allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country. // pledging allegiance

Q: When would 'fealty' be a good substitute for 'devotion'?

The words fealty and devotion can be used in similar contexts, but fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow. // fealty to the truth

Q: When might 'fidelity' be a better fit than 'devotion'?

In some situations, the words fidelity and devotion are roughly equivalent. However, fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty. // marital fidelity

Q: Where would 'loyalty' be a reasonable alternative to 'devotion'?

The words loyalty and devotion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray. // valued the loyalty of his friends

Q: When is it sensible to use 'piety' instead of 'devotion'?

Although the words piety and devotion have much in common, piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental. // filial piety

devotion

noun

di-ˈvō-shən

Definition of devotion

as in love

a feeling of strong or constant regard for and dedication to someone Albert Schweitzer was world-renowned for his devotion to his fellow man

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as in dedication

adherence to something to which one is bound by a pledge or duty the knight's fierce devotion to his lord

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as in religion

belief and trust in and loyalty to God a people of deep spirituality and indomitable devotion

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How is the word devotion distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of devotion are allegiance, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, and piety. While all these words mean "faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty," devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

When could allegiance be used to replace devotion?

While the synonyms allegiance and devotion are close in meaning, allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

When would fealty be a good substitute for devotion?

The words fealty and devotion can be used in similar contexts, but fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

When might fidelity be a better fit than devotion?

In some situations, the words fidelity and devotion are roughly equivalent. However, fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

Where would loyalty be a reasonable alternative to devotion?

The words loyalty and devotion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray.

valued the loyalty of his friends

When is it sensible to use piety instead of devotion?

Although the words piety and devotion have much in common, piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental.

filial piety

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 devotion Nor is Argentina’s devotion to its most famous export whose triumphs have served as reminders of national greatness through years of political and economic instability. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 Nor was Argentina's devotion to its most famous export, whose triumphs reminded the country of its capacity for greatness through years of political and economic instability. — CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 As Nicole refuses the role she’s been taught to play, her mother is forced to confront the cost of building a life around a man who demands devotion but can’t offer safety. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026 Nell didn’t seem to give much thought to people, not even to herself, out of devotion to her creative pursuit. — Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion

Noun

While the short was a love letter to the museum at which it was filmed (Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre), the feature is intended as a love letter to Bomber County as a whole.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
Rilke writes about solitude, love, patience and learning to live with uncertainty.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of love

Noun

In that span, the prevailing public narrative about Simmons shifted radically — from a guy zealously dedicated to rehabbing and the game itself to questions about his desire and dedication.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
But instead of denouncing the class of managers and industrialists who profited from the paint factories, the doctors blamed the workers for their poor condition, citing their dedication to their jobs as its primary cause.

— Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of dedication

Noun

As a nation, the United States is moving toward knocking down longstanding walls separating religion and government, often ruling in favor of expanding the rights of religious groups.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Perspectives on secular politics were assessed through queries about separating religion from politics; Western-style governance; Islamic government; and sharia law.

— Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of religion

Noun

The intensity of their yearning has only increased on their second album, Nature’s Pill—and that’s no easy feat, considering this is a band whose breakout track opens with the narrator prostrating himself before the object of his affection.

— Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026
Despite his training in fine dining, what motivates him is the warmth and affection of home cooking.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of affection

Noun

Created in the 17th century, Japan’s Fujiko faith fuses Shinto and esoteric Buddhism in its reverence for Mount Fuji, the country’s highest peak.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 11 Oct. 2026
Whether faith can be justified on any terms but its own is an epistemological question beyond this columnist’s understanding.

— Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of faith

Noun

Acting was his guiding passion, but his deep love for the avant-garde helped till the ground for the city’s theatrical renaissance that the 1984 Olympic Arts Festival catalyzed.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
The comedian's passion for burgers goes well beyond punchlines.

— Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of passion

Noun

More than 70 companies have also signed on to contribute to employees’ children’s accounts, the White House said, following early commitments from firms like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America.

— Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
Today, many more American women are choosing Lee Krasner’s lifestyle and her commitments; but to pioneer took a special kind of courage.

— Barbara Rose, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of commitment

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“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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