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 next

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in religion

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 With the devotion of their adopted mother, all seven kittens are flourishing and will have a chance to find forever families. —

News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026 Integrity and devotion Stoner’s commitment to intellectual integrity and devotion to his vocation shapes his moral core. —

Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026 Growing up in Buford and seeing her mother’s selfless devotion to family, caring for others comes naturally to Tamika Johnson. —

Laura Berrios, AJC.com, 7 May 2026 For Wood, her dedication to preserving her showgirl house feels like a natural extension of Vegas’s longstanding devotion to visual spectacle. —

Zoey Goto, Architectural Digest, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion

Noun

Each focuses on the love stories of specific couples, but while the show doesn’t follow the books’ format rigidly, all the beloved characters are present.

— Jennifer McClellan, USA Today, 17 May 2026
The story follows Frederic Henry, a young American ambulance driver serving in Italy who is wounded during the war and falls in love with the British nurse Catherine Barkley.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 May 2026