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 McEvilley, 55, was a multidisciplinary artist with significant experience in film — including some impressive Hollywood acting credits — whose devotion to his craft was undeterred by a tragic subway accident years ago that left him with the loss of his right hand and left leg below the knee. Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026 Cross’ sister, Brooke Cross, came double jerseyed — Rangers’ road blues over a Panthers’ Brad Marchand jersey, an arrangement reflecting the order of her devotion. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2026 Her devotion to animals became legendary. Ingrid Melander, USA Today, 28 Dec. 2025 Co-writer and star Jason Segel infuses The Muppets with all the intense devotion of a true superfan. Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • The actress isn't shy about expressing her love for Leach on Instagram.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Cast-iron skillets can come enameled to prevent food from sticking, but the ones our grandmas swear by will always be non-enameled and seasoned with years of love to get that gorgeous, glossy finish.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Still, Mamdani thanked first responders for their dedication to saving lives in both blazes.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Know of a longtime volunteer in Rancho Bernardo who stands out above the rest for dedication, leadership and service?
    Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
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
  • The strategy reflects McDonald's broader push to lean on nostalgia and popular partnerships to drive traffic and loyalty at a time when consumers are growing more cautious about spending, the outlet reported, citing a recent earnings call.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Guests are automatically enrolled in Intrepid Insiders, a loyalty program offering early access to sales and new itineraries.
    Josh Roberts, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Park thanked residents across the city for donating and offering help without condition, as well as the volunteers, first responders, workers, faith groups, nonprofits and businesses that stepped in to fill the gaps before government systems could catch up.
    City News Service, Daily News, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Still, the district put full faith in its current coaches, promoting from within.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Eventually, his parents surrendered to his passion for figure skating.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Collegial car vibes For many of the program’s students, the schooling offers a chance to professionalize their passion.
    Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Gophers added to its wide receiver room with the commitment of Cincinnati transfer Noah Jennings on Friday night.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Carrying Mandarin-style wooden ducks (won-ang seteu) down the aisle symbolizes the groom's commitment to his partner and represents virtues like fidelity, harmony, and family in Korean culture.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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