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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 Things take a turn for the whimsical when, with the help of some lightning — and later, Taffy’s tanning bed — Lisa finds a companion in an undead, Victorian-era Cole Sprouse, a hopeless romantic who communicates exclusively in grunts, and whose devotion to Lisa knows no bounds. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025 In 2021, the Vietnam Veterans of America presented Agnes with an award for her dedication, devotion and honorable military service. Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025 Turner praised Haliburton’s professionalism, his qualities as a teammate and his devotion to his family. Darnell Mayberry, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025 There’s great satisfaction in seeing that Lamb is way ahead of Whelan’s plan to frame him — bringing back the loose end of Gimball’s personal tape recorder is a great touch — but there’s also something sweet about Lamb’s grudging devotion to the Slough House misfits. Scott Tobias, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • This show has always been a part of our love story.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 11 Nov. 2025
  • But beyond the text on his screen there are entire worlds—of history, philosophy, and maybe even of love—in the stories and people he and AI conjure.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Rooted in intention, connection, and a dedication to celebrating Black excellence in tech and beyond, Creator Unplugged is solidifying its place as one of Microsoft’s marquee events beyond the main AfroTech stage.
    Essence, Essence, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Crafted with recycled materials, the collection is entirely vegan, furthering Rombaut’s dedication to using earth-friendly components.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • That’s kind of the family religion, knowing that the body releases the soul and the spirit energy, and, beyond that, the spirit energy survives.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • For many of Modi’s supporters, Mamdani’s rhetoric is seen as a malicious attack on the country’s majority religion.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Leslie stars in the movie as Liz, a married mom and soon-to-be empty nester who audits a college poetry class and becomes a point of tension between seniors — and longtime best friends — Sam (Andrew Barth Feldman) and Ari (Cooper Hoffman), who both vie for her affections.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Most of the show is set in Albuquerque, the showrunner’s artistic home base since Breaking Bad, and his affection for the place shines through.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • And if that can happen to retail giants with decades of consumer goodwill, imagine the stakes for entertainment and cultural brands — where loyalty is fleeting, audiences are global and competition is relentless.
    Kimberly S. Reed, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Themes of love, loyalty and trust could also be tested under the weight of change.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • My religious faith is such that divorce is wrong and that women cannot divorce their husbands.
    Jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Zohran could have chosen to stay quiet and spend the final fortnight of the campaign focused on his core messages, ignoring his critics’ attempts to lower the tone and use his faith to other him.
    Sadiq Khan, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Brought together by filmmaker Saúl Alvídrez, these two radical elders share passion, politics, and wisdom.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Despite challenges, including a PED suspension that forced him to miss the entire 2021 season while with the Mets, Canó’s passion for the game remains undiminished.
    Denny Alfonso, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • None of these commitments have been honored.
    Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The announcement includes a commitment from both companies to sell the starting dose of new oral GLP-1 drugs for about $150; the higher doses for Eli Lilly’s drug will be capped at $399.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.

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