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 By displaying a combination of grit, devotion and plenty of moxie, Jackie the bald eagle of Big Bear Lake in Southern California taught millions of fans around the world more about her species than any textbook could have. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 Many fans saw Jackie as a model of motherhood, devotion and perseverance. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026 The film spans from before creation to the peaks of Kailash, taking in the rage of Veerabhadra, a being formed from grief, and the devotion of two women whose bond keeps Shiva connected to existence. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026 Some, like Maryam Ghanbari, showed their devotion by walking 200 miles from the Iranian border. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion

Noun

In an interview last year, Anthony Ciancio explained how the film was a labor of love, taking years to make.

— Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
But her love of horror has been a theme throughout her career, including a viral tweet of her dressed as the Babadook at a Halloween party filled with people in normal clothes.

— John Ross, Vanity Fair, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of love

Noun

Kids frolicked in the new Nikki Spoelstra Play Forest, one of the segment’s highlights, while a band played and vendors hawked food by South Miami City Hall as advocates and officials spoke at the dedication.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026
Julius Murga has deep roots in Wrigleyville, but his dedication to Sports World Chicago is rivaled only by Ganal.

— Noel Brennan, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of dedication

Noun

Rhaenyra shows no affection whatsoever to her heir, Joffrey, and only shows signs of any warmth at all when speaking with Daemon about taking back Tumbleton from Lord Ormund and the Hightowers.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
In one room, Catherine is getting promises of unconditional love and affection from Alden, a man who would never harm her.

— Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of affection

Noun

Known for her dry sense of humor, passion for horses and being the hardest working royal, Princess Anne has also maintained strict boundaries about her privacy and kept her family away from the spotlight.

— Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
There was a fluidity to their performance that treasured passion over technical precision.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of passion

Noun

The result is a style that moves effortlessly from morning to night, through work and any commitments after.

— Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
The incident was due to an engineering failure aboard the warship, the US 7th Fleet said in a statement to CNN, another setback as concerns mount over the heavy strain on the US Navy due to the Iran war and global commitments.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of commitment

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“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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