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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 In the islander’s eyes, the giant imagines the depth of our hero’s devotion to make such a sacrifice. Hazlitt, 13 May 2025 Investors point to Guild’s devotion as a big reason for their bet. Stephen Pastis, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Linda Moody describes her devotion to her late husband as a combination of profound love and pragmatism. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025 Medieval England was incredibly tied to religious devotion. Charles Towers-Clark, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • The rapper even released a whole album devoted to his love of the genre back in 2010, Rebirth.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 6 June 2025
  • Patrick and Brittany Mahomes talked about their love of softball and women’s sports during an in-game interview.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • The guide is in line with the Space System Protection Standard, which summarizes NASA's continuous dedication to supporting the creation of exact cybersecurity standards for its space systems.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • The scholarships are awarded to student caddies who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, dedication on the golf course and exemplary character.
    Jad El Reda, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Hajj, the world’s largest annual pilgrimage, begins today in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as over 1 million Muslims travel to the religion's holiest city.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Hundreds of thousands, by some estimates, embraced the religion.
    Foster Klug, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • The group were filmed licking and sniffing the younger kitten in a clear show of affection, in the post to TikTok from April 25.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • Upon his release, Nick learns that the target of his affections has another admirer, Chester (Shawn Ashmore), his no-nonsense parole officer.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • This kind of fierce loyalty has been crucial to Dropout’s growth.
    Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 2 June 2025
  • This strategic alignment, with a focus on a seamless customer experience, fuels revenue growth, strengthens customer loyalty, cuts churn and positions the business for success.
    Julie Thomas, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Four months into his administration, their faith is being tested.
    Daniel Byman, The Atlantic, 24 May 2025
  • Leo’s American identity-at a time when two American leaders embody opposing visions of democracy-places him at the intersection of a deepening global struggle over democracy, nationalism, and faith.
    Emmett Coyne, The Hill, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • While market opportunity and product-market fit are paramount, successful entrepreneurship often stems from an innate drive and passion for pursuing a vision.
    Daniel Ramsey, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • So tulips and roses allegedly conveyed passion, peonies whispered shyness, and a white violet or a daisy denoted innocence.
    Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • The former — the college commitment — came a year ago.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 26 May 2025
  • Cruise, though, is very determined to remind us just how much physical commitment his action work requires.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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