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 At the core of what Earth linguistics is to me, is just a devotion to learning more than human language and integrating that into my own language as a way of expanding my conception of the world. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026 In a broadly sweet, vivacious and gorgeously sung set Tuesday, that sentiment revealed the moral clarity that bolsters her songs about devotion and intimacy. Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 So maybe Ride or Die isn’t quite singular enough to inspire the kind of devotion referenced in its title. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026 Set in the immigrant neighborhoods of 1950s Brooklyn, Miller’s searing tragedy explores the tensions between devotion and desire, justice and loyalty, and the promise and pressures of the American Dream. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • Toastique was founded in 2018 by Brianna Keefe, a former college athlete whose love for juicing, smoothies and health food turned into a dream of opening a health cafe.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • But that capacity to feel deeply, especially when that feeling is the heart-wrenching universal antic that is love, brings with it some degree of suffering.
    Goth Shakira, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • The charitable initiative underscored Venezuela's deep baseball roots and players' dedication to their homeland.
    Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Szczur was introduced at the Champions Gate dedication ceremony as a pitcher, not an outfielder.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • My oldest daughter was 2 or 3 years old when the TV show Doc McStuffins hit, so there was a period of time in my house when Doc McStuffins was like religion.
    Marah Eakin, Vulture, 23 July 2026
  • While some religions, including Hinduism and Islam, prohibit or discourage intoxication, others use alcohol to connect with the divine.
    Tim Brinkhof, Time, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • By contrast, Hemingway's affection for daiquiris is well-documented.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • Kelly grew up in West Orange, New Jersey, in an Irish Catholic household of little outward affection and high tumult.
    Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • Archie and his friends fight to stay alive, testing their friendships, romances and loyalties.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2026
  • Babcock’s devotion to Komarov was similar to that of Oilers coach Craig MacTavish and his remarkable loyalty to centre Marty Reasoner 20 years ago.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • This could begin to erode Americans’ faith that inflation will eventually slow toward the Fed’s 2% annual target.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • The Sun in your 9th House of Exploration trines Neptune in your 5th House of Creativity, linking learning, travel, teaching, faith, and self-expression.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • By what strange twist of fate does a young man come to develop a passion for politics?
    Olivier Bouchara, Vanity Fair, 24 July 2026
  • Leading both genres reflects passion for programs for sure, but hardly guarantees a path to the big stage.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • Name the conflict plainly, offer realistic timing, and protect the commitment that matters most today.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
  • The certification recognizes Community Hospital’s commitment to delivering advanced, life-saving care for patients experiencing the most severe and complex types of stroke, according to its website.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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