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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 Congressional oversight remains the primary check, but with Republicans controlling both chambers and illustrating a slavish devotion to Trump, impeachment is politically unrealistic regardless of legal merit. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025 The pilgrimage is an act of spiritual devotion and cultural preservation. Zia Ur-Rehman Asim Hafeez, New York Times, 30 May 2025 Though devotion plays an important role in how Muslims observe Eid al-Adha, there is also room to come together and have fun. Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 7 June 2025 This timepiece represents an unshakeable vision, fusing MR-G’s commitment to ultimate strength and beauty with the Zen devotion to contemplating one’s own nature and an integrated worldview of serenity. Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • This type of attachment style can shape one’s self-esteem and ideas around worthiness and love.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • The tension among the sisters was increasingly high; Johnny and Mirren were both hiding secrets and Cadence and Gat were falling in love.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • His dedication to public service and his ability to bring a smile to others remain lasting parts of his legacy.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2025
  • Years of dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of creative growth are paying off for actor Ramón Rodríguez, whose hard work over the past two decades has paved the way for a breakthrough moment in his Hollywood journey.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Prior to joining Fox News, Alexandra covered breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2025
  • By targeting people based on their race, religion, or nationality, from countries with predominantly Black, Brown and Muslim-majority populations, this blanket ban constitutes racial discrimination under international human rights law.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • The convergence of reason and gallantry, of irony and affection, struck a teasing tone.
    Merve Emre, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • Engaging in this kind of play and affection shows boys that warmth, kindness and love aren’t just feminine qualities –– dads do it, too, Chu said.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • There’s a smarter, more future-facing loyalty model: one that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) signals directly into how customers are scored, segmented, and rewarded.
    Gabriele Buffo, Fortune, 26 June 2025
  • Moreover, a unified brand identity not only enables greater recognition but also helps build trust, gain loyalty, and, as a result, increase conversions.
    Roman Vrublivskyi, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Retire Wealthy Retiring wealthy takes long-term planning plus a good dose of faith.
    Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Dolton’s revival would center around the house where then-Robert Francis Prevost learned his faith from his parents and brothers.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Imagine telling any of the women in that hairdressers shop that art should be untouched by national and political passion, particularly in time of war.
    Kamila Shamsie June 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
  • Joel often expresses his passion for raising mental health awareness through his work in the media.
    Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Leaders set the tone, so showing inclusion and commitment will encourage team members to follow suit.
    Simone E. Morris, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Republican senators praised her leadership, especially her commitment to rolling back Biden-era regulations and guidance on gender-identity rights, which Lucas has argued overstepped the commission's authority.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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