Definition of devotionnext
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Synonym Chooser

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 Prada has never wavered in her devotion to the skirt and has rarely been spotted wearing anything else but an A-line cut. — Scarlett Conlon, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026 The movie treats its main character with a devotion as unquestioning as the canine does. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026 Maralian’s devotion to her roots and cultural traditions is reflected in her brand’s signature design, Areni. — Virginia Corneli, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026 Taurus Routines confirm your devotion to improving your aura. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • What a simultaneously callous and graceful way to send off an audience that has spent the last hour falling in love.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
  • That translated into my love of data and analytics, which was great for the CFO role.
    — Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The two families’ lives intersected once again in their dedication to fight for independence for the Baltic states in the early 1960s.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Cosumnes Community Services District Board President Peter Sakaris said the dedication to growing the pumpkins is inspiring, but the community’s support is equally remarkable.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Shaun Casey, a religion scholar, led the State Department’s Office of Religion and Global Affairs during the Obama administration.
    — Tiffany Stanley, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The images on Lotería cards have typically featured commonplace objects and characters and have drawn on artistic influences including tarot cards, local cultures, and religion.
    — Sanat Pai Raikar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Nothing seems to be too much trouble for the staff who clearly have an affection for the property and its owners, with many having worked there for decades.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Then, in 2000, Miramax’s aggressive campaigning and the universal affection for 67-year-old Michael Caine handed the veteran actor his second statuette.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Me loyalty program uses the technology to give personalized product recommendations upfront.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • And, in doing so, potentially creates more loyalty, trust, and frequency of engagement.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • That unease is eroding faith in political leaders and fueling calls for upheaval across the spectrum, from young conservatives to students backing progressive challengers in Michigan.
    — Jacqueline Ganun, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Returning to those stocks is a real leap of faith, but Best Buy has been moving up nicely.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Volunteers Janice Maggiora and Donna Blink said McDaniel's passion for people inspires their own joyful giving.
    — Sharon Chin, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • This is the man who made the two-and-a-half-hour, stream-of-consciousness passion project Bardo (2022), after all, which several critics also found rather abrasive and self-indulgent.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Sun in your sign opposes Saturn in your 7th House, putting relationships, commitments, and compromise under a more serious lens.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Wilkerson is the 20th commitment for the Horned Frogs’ 2027 recruiting class which currently ranks 51st nationally and seventh in the Big 12.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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