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 The steep descent into the canyon is a reminder that the effort needed to reach these shrines has always been a part of the devotion. — Avantika Chaturvedi, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026 Hardwick makes Cassius Senior volatile but wounded, with Gourrier centering Odessa’s fierce devotion and pride. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2026 But what unfolded in Tokyo at the inaugural Polofest surpassed mere fandom, stretching into the realm of infatuation, obsession, or perhaps even a touch of cultish devotion. — Zachary Weiss, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2026 Styles’ questions about devotion and doubt landed differently on Saturday, which marked the last show of the residency after 10 weeks. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion

Noun

This model also allows Menabóh to tap into the fashion calendar, appealing to the industry’s love of novelty.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
Our community is dying; there’s an underlying sense of desperation, grief and pride that can both protect and suffocate out of a need to survive – this film is ultimately a love letter to us, with a sense of knowing.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of love

Noun

For somebody whose previous experience ends at a normal ebike, however, this thing could be a fantastic machine for discovering religion.

— Kevin Fanady, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
After the allegations came out, Brand converted to Christianity and spoke about his religion extensively on his social media channels.

— Ellise Shafer, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of religion

Noun

Stevens was someone Howard considered a friend, a congresswoman who had earned his affection by showing up in black communities without making her office or title the center of attention.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026
But Langley’s affection for his hometown hasn’t kept his company from drawing, even in Atlanta, the kinds of criticism over issues of privacy, mistakes and misuse that have been simmering nationwide.

— Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of affection

Noun

Donalds, a Republican congressman from Naples, had given MAGA and his dear leader complete and total loyalty, ignoring truth, facts and reality.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
Atmos Rewards, the loyalty program for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, has no award ticket change or cancellation fees.

— Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of loyalty

Noun

Cui's arrest is the latest case in Chinese President Xi Jinping's long-running campaign to tighten control over religion to ensure all groups of faith abide by Communist Party rule.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2026
But his serious lapse in judgment will dent confidence in one of the world’s most consequential companies, at the very moment when investors have shown that their faith in the market’s AI growth story has limits.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 9 Nov. 2026

Definition of faith

Noun

Evans's passion for golf and the Masters Tournament led them to incorporate elements from Augusta's clubhouse design.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
His passion for fashion eventually led him to work with some of the most illustrious clientele, with Jackie Kennedy and Twiggy just being a few.

— Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of passion

Noun

Researchers must again be able to plan work that takes years with reasonable confidence that commitments will be honored.

— Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
Zelenskyy has repeatedly insisted any security commitments should be clearly spelled out, including who would act, and how, if Russia attacked again.

— Willem Marx, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of commitment

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“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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