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 Great Green Berets who gave their last measure of devotion to this nation. Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2026 Holmquist traces his devotion to history back to age 7, when his parents bought him a set of encyclopedias. Jim Dudlicek, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026 These decisions are acts of devotion and ambition, rooted in a decidedly modern faith in what sport can make possible. John Vorwald, Robb Report, 24 May 2026 Understanding, by contrast, requires sustained and effortful attention of the kind that accumulates gradually into something closer to devotion. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • But Niurka Escobar, his stay-at-home mother, helped nurture his love for the game.
    Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
  • The collaboration is their mutual love letter to growing up in post-war Britain without a lot of privilege but with a lot of help from their school buddies.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • The Sunday, May 24 episode concluded season 1 of the Yellowstone spinoff about Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes), and the episode ended with a dedication card.
    Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026
  • After his death, his colleagues and friends said Kilduff would be remembered both for his dedication to his job and his family.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • No nation can truly represent a religion.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
  • Brian Kaylor, a Baptist pastor and president and editor-in-chief of Word&Way, a progressive site covering faith and politics, said that while the Continental Congress did call for a day of prayer, the founders crafted the Constitution to prevent the establishment of religion.
    Peter Smith, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Rarely has a player been that good and had such broad and diverse appeal, and then managed to command that affection for such a long time.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 25 May 2026
  • In other words, moments of warmth, humor, validation or affection need to outnumber moments of hostility or annoyance.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • That often means a tighter product lineup, stronger retail relationships and paying closer attention to customer loyalty instead of just customer acquisition.
    Sara Payan, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2026
  • While Harry and Kate were exceptionally close, Andersen wondered whether Meghan’s outlook on loyalty to the crown as a newcomer complicated that dynamic.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • So there’s a lot of faith placed in word of mouth and offers that aren’t yet official.
    Antonio Morales, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • The video, which contains footage never before seen by the public, captures the artist’s sense of humor, his love for fashion and deep faith, and edits together some of his most iconic stage performances.
    Hannah Brueske, Twin Cities, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • While the game never went away, its recent explosion in popularity seems linked to a post-pandemic yearning for social connection, combined with influential stars posting their mahj passion and the collectible beauty of the tile sets themselves.
    Ingrid Schmidt, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2026
  • Set in a remote hilly village in Northeast India, the story follows eight-year-old Rang, a Karbi tribe boy with a single consuming passion – soccer – whose idol is Messi.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • Recruited for his military expertise and commitment to freedom, Pulaski eventually took command of the Pulaski Legion, a cavalry unit composed of American and foreign recruits.
    Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 23 May 2026
  • Opening the ceremony, Knobloch framed the evening as part of the festival’s commitment to support emerging filmmakers and giving more space to women’s perspectives onscreen.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 23 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 28 May. 2026.

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