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 To prove his devotion, Kelce went on Instagram after the game and liked a bunch of pictures featuring Swift. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 12 June 2026 White has credited the president’s devotion to the sport with propelling it into the mainstream and is predicting a record-breaking global audience. Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 What remains is our unwavering devotion to this sacred life and to our children. Monica Coviello, Vanity Fair, 11 June 2026 Lund said this came from Skarsgård being so heavily involved and stressed it is driven by his passion and devotion to the character and iconic source material. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • For all of its massive successes, and for all of the fame, money, and love generated by this Broadway juggernaut, 125 years later the biggest lasting impact of Florodora is this spicy and fruity little cocktail, created for one particular girl in a particularly imperious mood.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 13 June 2026
  • Seehorn’s indelible portrayal of the cunning Kim Wexler transformed the character from one-off love interest to irreplaceable mainstay, and thus, a partnership was born.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Their dedication did not just solve a cold case.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • This is not even considering the dedication of vast expanses of farmland to solar farms.
    Louise Schiavone, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • Previously, there were more than 200 religions officially recognized.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026
  • The Christian religion was only tolerated in the communist dictatorship, and other religious sects were forbidden.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Through a series of cinematic contrivances, Tess borrows Katharine’s skirt suit, claims due credit for her business sense, and wins the affections of Katharine’s financier boyfriend (Harrison Ford).
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • Trump has made clear his disdain for NATO, his affection for Putin, gushes over autocrats, and withholds military support for Ukraine.
    Arthur House, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • In India, Shilangi Mukherji, director and head of SVOD Business at Prime Video India, said audience loyalty has been driven by a combination of local originals, licensed programming and long-term investment in intellectual property.
    Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 17 June 2026
  • That sense of loyalty became a feedback loop.
    Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Hamilton expressed faith in the FEMA staff and praised the recent opening of 350 positions to counteract some of the cuts.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
  • Want to support Christian athletes expressing their faith?
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Surrounded by custom paintwork and gleaming chrome, Ugaz said the opportunity to share his passion and craftsmanship with the broader San Francisco community was especially meaningful given the stereotypes lowrider enthusiasts have faced over the years.
    Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 13 June 2026
  • Most people who go on safari are adventurous and love animals, so seeing the Big Five on land and then experiencing all the marine life in the ocean is unique combination that satisfies so many different interests and passions.
    Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Morales received the 2024 Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his lifetime commitment to public service and community impact.
    Peter D'Oench, CBS News, 13 June 2026
  • Reuters, citing unnamed sources from Iran, the West and mediators, reported the deal would not involve an immediate commitment from Iran to end its nuclear program, with discussions about the program being delayed for 60 days.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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