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 Paternal devotion, though, is not limited to human fathers. Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 20 June 2026 As Flowers points out, Spielberg’s devotion to this topic can be seen in the names of some of the film’s background characters. Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 19 June 2026 Except for the unfettered devotion in the latter is replaced by swooping strings and a gushy chorus that merely offer an antiseptic veneer. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 June 2026 His musical passions ran strong and his expertise was diverse — rock, blues, jazz, R&B and especially Detroit history — while his devotion to Bruce Springsteen led him to 100-plus Boss concerts over the years. Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • Andrew Bauhs wasn't always in love with the college football experience.
    Matt Zahn, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • When his time came to address members of the party from the event’s main stage Friday night, Talarico delivered a love letter to Texas intermixed with a firm rebuke of billionaires and his GOP opponent.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2026
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
Noun
  • Some proponents of the curriculum changes dispute arguments that children will be explicitly taught religion, saying the Biblical passages and stories will be taught in the context of world history.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • Be smart and avoid arguments about politics, religion and controversial issues.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Ortega felt plenty comfortable showing affection to her beloved pet, Brady, a Chihuahua mix.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026
  • The old apparatuses of affection remained between us, however obsolete.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
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
Noun
  • Furthermore, no one will be discriminated against on the basis of their religious faith.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026
  • Other critics question whether religious stories should be taught at all in schools attended by thousands of children of Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and other faiths, and others who identify as atheist or agnostic.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The real-life Space Camp at the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, was a dream destination for any kid with an interest in science, math, and space exploration — the ultimate trip for tweens and teens with a passion for science and technology.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 27 June 2026
  • Maybe World Cup visitors' passion for America's favorite condiment has reawakened some national pride here.
    Scott Simon, NPR, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Buying a house felt like a commitment to building a future in a community that welcomed us.
    Cassandra Tresl, CNBC, 27 June 2026
  • Stone maintained his commitment to the fair treatment of Chesterton and Porter.
    Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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