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
  • Plus, Worley goes to bat about his love of baseball.
    Bill Wachsberger, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026
  • As a teen, the Regalis Foods founder pooled his savings to buy a kilo of black truffles from France after falling in love with the delicacy at a restaurant near his childhood home in Arkansas.
    The Editors, Robb Report, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • The party highlighted his lifelong dedication to the independence movement and his role in promoting national unity, dialogue, peace and political stability throughout his public career.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 June 2026
  • The spectators, meanwhile, were a perfect mix of first-timers and lifers, with both groups taking their dedication to the theme very, very seriously.
    Amir Hamja, Vogue, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • So, when national identity becomes intertwined with politics, religion, race, culture, or geography, criticism of the nation can feel less like a disagreement about policy and more like a challenge to one's identity.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • For those who prefer nonfiction, history is the top choice (the clear favorite among men), while women are more divided between books about religions, philosophy, or spirituality and books about self-help and wellness.
    Fred Backus, CBS News, 18 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
  • At its core, the play examines what happens when loyalty to an institution collides with a commitment to the truth, as a young lawyer risks his career to challenge powerful military leaders and expose wrongdoing within the ranks.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • Amazon is wagering that a half-price membership can manufacture loyalty among a cohort that has more financial anxiety than any before it, and less brand allegiance to show for it.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 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
  • Riemenschneider complimented the cleanliness and the family’s passion, Unlu said.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026
  • Both fandoms known for their unmatched passion and energy.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • This outcome reflects our commitment to protecting our community and ensuring that those who commit such heinous acts face severe consequences.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • What impressed us most was their commitment to the bit.
    Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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