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 next

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in religion

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Complex, intricate, and at all times realistic and humane, Famous Men is the pinnacle of the attempt to capture this specific and yet, all too universal, formative experience of enmeshment, devotion, and ego-death. —

Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026 To their community, the couple appeared to be role models of happiness and devotion. —

Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 Others have been declared saintly for their devotion to the sick and poor. —

Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 The excitement around these wines has accelerated the valley's devotion to the variety. —

Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion

Noun

But can this love story survive the Jackson ranch's shady dealings?

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Keep up with the arts, keep up with the love, and share a plate of food with your neighbor.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of love

Noun

Some attendees spent months creating their costumes, sewing patterns and 3D-printing props just to attend the convention, and that dedication was shared by many at Charlotte Big Anime.

— Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2026
Even by these standards, some Costco fans’ dedication is next level.

— Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 27 June 2026

Definition of dedication

Noun

If religion is corrupted by breaking down the wall of separation, much the same is true of the state.

— Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Hinduism is a narrative religion; its mercurial wisdom is lightened and sweetened by stories, softened by ambiguities, sharpened by paradoxes.

— Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026

Definition of religion

Noun

When the Gold Cloaks march into the palace and proclaim their new loyalties, Rickard’s men defy him by laying down their swords, too.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026
This column first addressed an employee’s duty of loyalty nine years ago, almost to the day.

— Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2026

Definition of loyalty

Noun

Most every weekend, Hurst returns to Kaskaskia, part of an aging congregation whose faith is the only thing that doesn’t remain in danger of washing away.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Both authors wanted to show people of all faiths a way of living that helped sustain Jews through exile and trauma.

— John Blake, CNN Money, 5 July 2026