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 Knicks fans, known for their rowdiness and downright devotion to the team, took to watch parties, bars and gatherings to see the game. Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 9 June 2026 In an era of Patreon, Substack, and, yes, OnlyFans, some artists are focused on translating devotion into revenue. John Kennedy, VIBE.com, 9 June 2026 Every four years soccer gathers for its championship and its intense global devotion is amplified. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026 Pencov was not alone in her devotion. Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • Matt Kirouac is a travel writer with a love for national parks, road trips, outdoors adventures, and all things Disney.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • Serena & Lily delivers on everything from coastal bedding to decor to me, and even though this is still true with this set, the versatility of the bedding deserves some love.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Gang says the plaque's dedication, though a tough reminder, makes this celebration even more special.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 8 June 2026
  • The leaders who eat at their desks aren’t modeling dedication.
    William Jones June 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Soccer is like a religion in Brazil, and the series succeeds in highlighting the energy, enthusiasm and euphoria that comes with winning a championship game.
    Roberto Prieto, Variety, 4 June 2026
  • For Yantrasast, part of Bukhara’s appeal lies in its history as a Silk Road city where cultures, religions, and ideas mixed for centuries.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • How can a plotline about a man (Michael Johnston) who wishes upon a magical toy branch for the unrequited love of his life (Indie Navarrette) to return his affections not involve some blood?
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
  • The phrase did contain a kind of affection, the perverse, frank, aggressive kind that follows, or underlines, an assertion of control.
    Andrea Bajani, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Both chains have loyalty clubs and discounts, including half-off tickets on some days.
    Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
  • Plus, members can unlock perks like gas savings and loyalty rewards along the way.
    Kayla Rivera, AJC.com, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • The husband and wife's community service began with a step of faith among fellow church members.
    Sharon Chin, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • Addressing reporters for the first time since The Associated Press projected a November runoff between her and Mayor Karen Bass, Raman said residents are losing faith in the city’s ability to solve even basic problems and are demanding a different approach.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Starring Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, a yuppie investment banker whose only real passions are consumerism, dining out, and committing murder, this black comedy and horror fusion satirizes the mass-consumption and performative lifestyle that was a hallmark of the 1980s culture and economy.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
  • People keep telling me that some amateur astronomers and astrophotographers hate smart telescopes with a passion.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • In Cawker City, population 465, the twine ball is a symbol of community—a collective commitment to the bit.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • Arlington Lamar standout three-star class of 2027 linebacker Braylon Williams announced his commitment to SMU Saturday.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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