Definition of devotionnext
1
2
3

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 To prove his devotion, Kelce went on Instagram after the game and liked a bunch of pictures featuring Swift. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 12 June 2026 White has credited the president’s devotion to the sport with propelling it into the mainstream and is predicting a record-breaking global audience. Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 What remains is our unwavering devotion to this sacred life and to our children. Monica Coviello, Vanity Fair, 11 June 2026 Lund said this came from Skarsgård being so heavily involved and stressed it is driven by his passion and devotion to the character and iconic source material. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • Plus, Worley goes to bat about his love of baseball.
    Bill Wachsberger, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026
  • As a teen, the Regalis Foods founder pooled his savings to buy a kilo of black truffles from France after falling in love with the delicacy at a restaurant near his childhood home in Arkansas.
    The Editors, Robb Report, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Their dedication did not just solve a cold case.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • This is not even considering the dedication of vast expanses of farmland to solar farms.
    Louise Schiavone, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • So, when national identity becomes intertwined with politics, religion, race, culture, or geography, criticism of the nation can feel less like a disagreement about policy and more like a challenge to one's identity.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • For those who prefer nonfiction, history is the top choice (the clear favorite among men), while women are more divided between books about religions, philosophy, or spirituality and books about self-help and wellness.
    Fred Backus, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Through a series of cinematic contrivances, Tess borrows Katharine’s skirt suit, claims due credit for her business sense, and wins the affections of Katharine’s financier boyfriend (Harrison Ford).
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • Trump has made clear his disdain for NATO, his affection for Putin, gushes over autocrats, and withholds military support for Ukraine.
    Arthur House, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • In India, Shilangi Mukherji, director and head of SVOD Business at Prime Video India, said audience loyalty has been driven by a combination of local originals, licensed programming and long-term investment in intellectual property.
    Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 17 June 2026
  • That sense of loyalty became a feedback loop.
    Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Hamilton expressed faith in the FEMA staff and praised the recent opening of 350 positions to counteract some of the cuts.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
  • Want to support Christian athletes expressing their faith?
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Riemenschneider complimented the cleanliness and the family’s passion, Unlu said.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026
  • Both fandoms known for their unmatched passion and energy.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • This outcome reflects our commitment to protecting our community and ensuring that those who commit such heinous acts face severe consequences.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • What impressed us most was their commitment to the bit.
    Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on devotion

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster