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 Others have been declared saintly for their devotion to the sick and poor. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026 When the period of mourning culminates 40 days later, Arbaeen serves as an affirmation of devotion to Ḥusayn and Muhammad’s family. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 July 2026 If anything, this down-to-earth transit is here to shed light on what is genuinely worthy of your devotion. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026 Palamas’ image is an icon, a sacred image used in Orthodox Christian worship and devotion. — Denva Gallant, The Conversation, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion

Noun

For me, the closest cinema has come capturing that randomness and unfairness is Jane Campion’s beautiful and meditative Bright Star, which tells the love story of Romantic poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne and of Keats’ death at 25 of tuberculosis.

— Sarah Chihaya, Vulture, 16 July 2026
Local love for Lorem Ipsum Hazelton was flooded with kind words and well wishes after sharing news of Lorem Ipsum’s closure.

— Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026

Definition of love

Noun

The birds, unconstrained by politics and religion, are a ubiquitous site in the Old City that hosts holy sites for the world's three largest monotheistic religions.

— Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 19 July 2026
Was Hamrick trying to replace one exclusive vision of race with another exclusive vision of religion on top of the mountain?

— John Blake, CNN Money, 19 July 2026

Definition of religion

Noun

In any case, as their journey reminds us, someone (or in this case something) needn’t be perfect to be worthy of our affections.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
Many developed a deep affection for the country and its artistic innovations, while seizing on business opportunities.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of affection

Noun

Archie and his friends fight to stay alive, testing their friendships, romances and loyalties.

— Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2026
Babcock’s devotion to Komarov was similar to that of Oilers coach Craig MacTavish and his remarkable loyalty to centre Marty Reasoner 20 years ago.

— Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of loyalty

Noun

Burnham’s faith is significant given the centuries of legislation and convention that effectively prevented Catholics from becoming prime minister.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Still, Di Novi had a lot of faith in the story from its roots as a novel by Alice Hoffman.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026

Definition of faith

Noun

For those truly struggling with the emotional toll of the game, consider taking a page from Argentina, a country whose love of soccer is perhaps only rivaled by its passion for psychoanalysis.

— Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Others demonstrate a star’s deep passion for agriculture or oenology.

— Emily Saladino, Washington Post, 17 July 2026

Definition of passion

Noun

Supporters are set to get their first glimpse of French defender Jeremy Jacquet after his arrival from Rennes, but fellow new signing Victor Munoz won’t be involved following his World Cup commitments with Spain.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 20 July 2026
The support included major funding commitments totaling billions of dollars for 2026 and 2027, and official acknowledgment of Ukraine’s transition from aid beneficiary to transatlantic security contributor.

— Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

Definition of commitment

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“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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