DEVOTION Synonyms: 113 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

devotion

noun

di-ˈvō-shən

Definition of devotion

as in love

a feeling of strong or constant regard for and dedication to someone Albert Schweitzer was world-renowned for his devotion to his fellow man

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as in dedication

adherence to something to which one is bound by a pledge or duty the knight's fierce devotion to his lord

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as in religion

belief and trust in and loyalty to God a people of deep spirituality and indomitable devotion

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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 Chennai claimed him as Thala, a Tamil word meaning leader that functions as something closer to a title of devotion. — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Their devotion revealed itself in countless ways, including Yilda’s work ethic in cleaning houses and making and selling Venezuelan pastries. — Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026 And that obviously is a form of spirituality or religious devotion in many ways. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 3 Aug. 2026 Husayn’s sacrifice has shaped not just religious devotion, but politics as well. — Iqbal Akhtar, The Conversation, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion

Noun

The #MeToo movement in 2017 changed Hollywood’s approach to love scenes, providing greater protections to performers through intimacy coordinators.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Also key to the president's grass fixation is his love of golf.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of love

Noun

Larter, who is known for her dedication to fitness, was seen in a black Alo sports bra with matching leggings during a workout session in a gym on the yacht.

— Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026
True loyalty, the article contends, lies in dedication to one's craft, continuous learning, and impact.

— Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of dedication

Noun

The administration has since created new governmental structures focused on religion, including a White House Faith Office and a Religious Liberty Commission tasked with examining how federal policy can better protect the free exercise of religion.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 9 Aug. 2026
My relationship with religion did not begin with the frescoes in churches.

— Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of religion

Noun

They were first popularized in Georgian England as small tokens of affection, infatuation or mourning, and examples are scattered across major museums such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
The touches of that child-like wonder and affection for their long-running fans was clear throughout Sunday’s show, from the vintage, colorful special effects to the band’s nostalgic set with callbacks to previous KC appearances.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of affection

Noun

But regardless of any lack of confidence in Hamas’ true intentions, in Mladenov’s faith in the ability to verify weapons decommissioning, or indeed Netanyahu’s own willingness to order any troop withdrawals, why poke Trump so publicly in the eye?

— Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Despite the loss, the congregation gathered Sunday morning, like any other week, to practice their faith.

— Heath Kalb, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of faith

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“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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