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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 In an age of instant gratification, such devotion to craft is increasingly rare—a reminder that time itself is the secret ingredient behind enduring beauty. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2025 Some are clearly ironic, but the line between blind devotion and mocking derision is seriously mangled. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025 Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium is Hogwarts, and its charm is its devotion to a different time in college sports. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2025 In that regard navigation was a sacred and powerful skill, one that took years to learn and much devotion to acquire. Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • This, plus the ongoing calls among family members, maintains a powerful sense of human connection and love.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Quinto has been open about his love for the role of Spock.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The festivities have included live concerts, cultural showcases, historic dedications and child-friendly activities designed to honor the city’s past while looking toward its future.
    Dontaira Terrell, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
  • King Charles attended the monument’s dedication ceremony on Monday, where he was photographed laying a bouquet of flowers.
    Samantha Riedel, Them., 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Projects engage critical questions of ecology, migration, identity, religion, and architecture, and excavate both metaphorical and literal prisons.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Children unfamiliar with the world in time become easy marks for the dealers in fascist politics and quack religions.
    Henry Freedland, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After the victory, Avdija, who scored 26 points, expressed affection for his former coach.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Harry and Meghan also had a cheeky moment of affection on the red carpet.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Since then, her standing in the polls has slipped, though partisan loyalties remain deeply entrenched.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Credit card rewards and loyalty points can turn everyday spending into meaningful travel savings.
    Essence, Essence, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rensch says in his book that the Kamps were able to weaponize the faith the Collective preached in an attempt to alter people’s life courses for the gain of the individual and the group.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The woman who said Butler had manipulated her faith to abuse her as a teen blamed the Assemblies of God’s lack of safeguards for enabling him.
    Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His children inspired his barbecue sauce line After leaving the NFL, Mangold put his passion for food into a barbecue sauce line, known as Mangold's 74 BBQ.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
  • From farmers and engineers to food safety specialists and packaging workers, Taylor Farms employs thousands who share a passion for producing fresh, healthy food.
    William Jones, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Laporta’s commitment to the Super League project has also appeared to wane, with the Barcelona chief reaching out to UEFA and the rest of the European football establishment, which Madrid continue to shun.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The new strategy connects water goals to the denim giant’s 2024 Climate Action Transition Plan, which aligns the company’ business plans with its climate commitments.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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