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 Over the years, the reports on Suri’s estrangement from her father largely blame his devotion to the controversial Church of Scientology. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 27 July 2026 The 10-episode drama about paternal anxiety and devotion wrapped up over the weekend. — Kayti Burt, Time, 27 July 2026 But Cricket resists this vision, preferring a more solitary idea of artistic devotion, and the story’s sympathies lean in his direction. — Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026 But The Odyssey is the first time his devotion to the literal Real has been wielded so effectively. — Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion

Noun

Mariani described the feature as a love letter to an earlier internet that allowed young people — particularly those in the Global South — to find friendships, culture and identities beyond their immediate surroundings.

— Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 30 July 2026
Here’s everything to know about the couples who fell in love on soap opera sets.

— Christina Dugan Ramirez, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

Definition of love

Noun

Nolan foregrounds the nobility that guides the character (his guilt, his dedication to his men, his yearning for his family) and neglects his wily cunning and egotism.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Passion, determination and dedication to the club and his cause are non-negotiables.

— Elias Burke, New York Times, 26 July 2026

Definition of dedication

Noun

Of course, Yamagata is a long way to go just to peep some jellyfish, so combine a visit with the misty temples of nearby Dewa Sanzan, three mountains sacred to the ascetics of the esoteric Shugendo religion.

— Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
The jokes practically wrote themselves as an eclectic group of progressive pastors, imams and a rabbi walked into a room, finding their seats around a table to talk about religion and politics.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026

Definition of religion

Noun

Torrid's Chief Commercial Officer, Ashlee Wheeler, highlights the casting call's success in both acquiring new customers and fostering community, emphasizing that genuine representation drives loyalty and commercial growth.

— Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Queenstown hails from creator, writer and executive producer Chloe Stearns, In the series, beneath the glamour of Queenstown’s luxury ski scene, a privileged family and the people who work for them collide over power, loyalty and desire.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 27 July 2026

Definition of loyalty

Noun

Ashton Lansdell is tattooed with reminders of her faith in herself.

— Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Free This annual service brings together affirming faith communities from across the Charlotte region to celebrate inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ people.

— Evan Moore August 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of faith

Noun

Golden has since turned her passion for photography into a professional career and now lives in Texas.

— Brian Maass, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
What is certain, however, is his passion for helping teenagers through basketball and creating a system where quality coaching and training are more affordable.

— Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of passion

Noun

As a press release concludes, the companies presented their partnership as the beginning of a long-term commitment, with other projects planned.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
Many Farmers Union shareholders say the 25-year commitment to convey wastewater treated by the Eagle Sewer District will endanger their well-being.

— Noah Daly August 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of commitment

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“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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