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 The Beehive State topped the ranking with its devotion to the Japanese card game. — Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026 There is something about this ethic that a critic should inhabit, as well—a craft of devotion rather than exhibition. — Lola Seaton, The New York Review of Books, 17 Oct. 2026 But, beyond the wall-to-wall coverage and sensational headlines, is a story about the incredible courage, devotion, and strength that Natalee’s mother, Beth, showed in the face of unimaginable loss. — Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 What powers Nordrum’s lovesick devotion is the gradual and unsuspecting rise in chemistry between his Brandon and Creed-Miles’ Marianne. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • Nebraska native Sydney Loofe was looking for love, or at least for some fun, while scrolling through Tinder back in 2017.
    — Samantha Bergeson, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • All of our love goes out to his family and the country music community.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Prepare to get a first glimpse of the dedication, the sweat, the pain, the tears – and much more.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Theirs is an unusual story of loyalty and dedication to their school and to their East Side roots.
    — Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • When designing any law, legislators take into account the First Amendment, which protects, among other rights, freedom of speech, religion and the press.
    — Anagilmara Vílchez, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Claiming that they are being harshly discriminated against due to their religion and conservative beliefs, the couple asks help from Mia, an attorney, to represent their case in the Norwegian court.
    — Tomris Laffly, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • This significant fact indicates to this writer that the affections of the fair fans seem to be switching from those big strong men who rescue them from all sorts of situations, to an esthetic young chap who can give them a dancing thrill.
    — David Hajdu, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The Olympia, Washington songwriter known for underground rap production pivots to sunny, nostalgic power-pop with distinct affection for the college-rock era.
    — Jeff Yerger, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Still, Saudi Arabia has viewed attendance at the event, and general support for the Gulf during turbulent times, as a loyalty test for global business leaders.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The Maryland and New Jersey laws focus on groceries, with exceptions for certain loyalty discounts and other promotional offers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Next, the faith leaders responded with feedback and discussions, Sullivan said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • By shooting in Indonesia, Lee wants to draw on the country’s strong attachment to family, faith and community.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The song addresses overcoming adversity and using others’ doubts to fuel your passion.
    — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The backstory Saltus is a family-run passion project led by sisters Claudia and Nadja Mumelter, alongside their mother, Hedwig.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Nvidia's most recent quarterly financial filing in August outlined over $500 billion in off-balance-sheet commitments over the coming years, with a majority maturing through fiscal 2029.
    — Kif Leswing,Isabel O'Brien, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The Biden administration also had a commitment to AI safety that annoyed AI companies.
    — Nina Verdelli, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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