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 Then came Bourdain, whose devotion to The Deuce held no bounds. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 The effect of the Quran Hall, which anchors one of the most ambitious cultural projects in Central Asia, is almost psychedelic, like a Pink Floyd concert reimagined as an act of religious devotion. Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 Now, fans can take that devotion beyond the deli counter and onto their shoulder. Mike Snider, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Underwood recognized Parton's longtime devotion to her faith while remembering Dolly on social media following her death. Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • One of the themes is parenthood and a way of conceiving motherhood and parental love as control and ambition that is projected onto one’s children.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
  • And given her lifelong love of the breed, Farlow can understand why the couple may have been powerless to resist.
    David Mack, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Our nurses play an essential role in caring for others with compassion and dedication, and this loss is being felt across our entire community.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Rogers’ heartfelt dedication touched on each of those points, remembering Parton for her charitable spirit and immense talent.
    Chris Parton, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Opponents warn a single ‘Jewish’ ethnic box oversimplifies diverse Jewish histories and risks echoing past government tracking, amid elevated antisemitism and debate over religion, ancestry and culture.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • People have basic rights like freedom of speech, religion and assembly.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • King seemed stranded in a faraway world, tortured by a discomfort that no amount of affection could soothe.
    Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Globe is reporting that just as fans have been rolling their eyes at the couple’s displays of affection, so has Furness.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But without independent oversight into such decisions, oversight that Syria has yet to establish, centralization could also revive the Assad-era practice of offering economic access as a reward for political loyalty.
    Jesse Marks, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The Basij run a nationwide network of volunteers who maintain a presence in the streets, government offices and cultural centers, seeking to ensure loyalty and ideological purity for Iran’s theocracy.
    Lee Keath, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Muslim leaders and community members, in turn, told the USA TODAY Network they’re left fighting to defend their faith and warning the nation that its founding principles are at stake.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Most people don’t have a lot of faith in the 2026 Miami Dolphins.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Her passion, determination and single-minded focus had completed the deal.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The pallid grayness of Mike Eley’s cinematography is probably supposed to mimic the finality of HIV/AIDS taking hold, but there’s no passion aesthetically to counterbalance what becomes absolute misery onscreen to watch.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The collaboration reflects both companies’ commitment to developing sovereign defence capabilities in India through technology transfer, local value creation and skill development.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Even those inside Newcastle United were questioning the commitment and focus of some of their star players last season, when a staggering 27 points were dropped from winning positions.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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