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 The word veracity, by the way, is defined as a devotion to the truth. Dave Lieber, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026 In response to claims by the prominent late Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who claimed in court documents that Wexner was among men Epstein trafficked her to, Wexner testified to utter devotion to his wife of 33 years, Abigail. Julie Carr Smyth The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026 The Bible commands a lifestyle of worship and devotion that looks considerably like Lent. Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Feb. 2026 Delattre praised both Elstner’s professional achievements and her devotion to the people behind the industry. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • This chance encounter between a group of young Brits and Americans led to three transatlantic love stories and three weddings.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Her love of books inspired her to open a bookstore in Gainesville in 2024 called The Lynx – its name a pun about the building of bonds within the community – in reaction to Governor Ron DeSantis’ encouragement of book bans in schools and libraries.
    Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Mayor Karen Bass was also in attendance to celebrate the new campus, highlighting the city's dedication to making sure the entertainment industry grows.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Construction concluded swiftly the following May, with a formal dedication on June 1, 1927.
    Sarah M. Boye, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibited discrimination concerning the sale and financing of housing based on race, religion or national origin.
    Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Written by Carter Faith, Cameron Bedell, and Seth Ennis, the lyrics juxtapose human vices with the teachings of a major religion.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There was a puppylike affection between them.
    Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Your 8th House of Closeness is showered with the affection of Mercury and Venus’s conjunction, increasing your capacity to have deep conversations.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The emphasis this time around was on unity, loyalty and readiness, while keeping the most provocative systems off-camera.
    Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Chad Grunander’s loyalty to his daughter will affect his work or interfere with Robinson’s rights.
    Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The patchy performances of usual left-back Vitalii Mykolenko and Moyes’ faith in Michael Keane have also influenced the decision-making process.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Jewish, Catholic and Muslim faith leaders all spoke at a press conference at City Hall about the importance of the bills to combat hate.
    Doug Williams, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Owner Mary Hernandez walked me through the care of the plant and shared her passion.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado February 28, Sacbee.com, 28 Feb. 2026
  • His passions outside of covering baseball are his wife, Gina, his two step kids, two crazy dogs & barbecue.
    Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But a year later, Tehran said it would no longer be bound by its commitments if the other parties to the JCPOA were in breach of theirs.
    Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Mercy named to Newsweek list Newsweek magazine named the Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas in Rogers one of the World's Best Hospitals, recognizing it for its ongoing commitment to high-quality care, patient experience and clinical excellence among top-tier hospitals worldwide.
    Mark Mondier, Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

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