DEVOTION Synonyms: 113 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

devotion

noun

di-ˈvō-shən

Definition of devotion

as in love

a feeling of strong or constant regard for and dedication to someone Albert Schweitzer was world-renowned for his devotion to his fellow man

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as in dedication

adherence to something to which one is bound by a pledge or duty the knight's fierce devotion to his lord

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as in religion

belief and trust in and loyalty to God a people of deep spirituality and indomitable devotion

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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 After a few weeks, Nikki’s acts of devotion escalate, including cooking his cat in a disturbing attempt to support his dream of becoming a food critic. — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026 Unauthorized sequels reveal the extremes of why people make movies in the first place, from purely cynical money grabs to pure — even naive — devotion to characters and their world. — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026 By displaying a combination of grit, devotion and plenty of moxie, Jackie the bald eagle of Big Bear Lake in Southern California taught millions of fans around the world more about her species than any textbook could have. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 Many fans saw Jackie as a model of motherhood, devotion and perseverance. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion

Noun

Founder Chau Nguyen said the idea grew out of his lifelong love of cars.

— Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Based on David Nicholls’ bestselling book, the series stars Marnie (Foy) and Michael (Macfadyen), who unexpectedly fall in love when their mutual friend Cleo (Crome) brings a group together for a walking weekend in the UK’s Lake District.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of love

Noun

Kids frolicked in the new Nikki Spoelstra Play Forest, one of the segment’s highlights, while a band played and vendors hawked food by South Miami City Hall as advocates and officials spoke at the dedication.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026
Julius Murga has deep roots in Wrigleyville, but his dedication to Sports World Chicago is rivaled only by Ganal.

— Noel Brennan, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of dedication

Noun

Where sacred meets celestial Science meets religion in the Vatican Observatory, a centuries-old center of astronomical research.

— Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Ablution stations are primarily used by Muslims to wash parts of their body before prayer, though can be used by several other religions that practice ablution before prayer, including Judaism, Hinduism and certain denominations of Christianity.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of religion

Noun

During an interview with The Independent in May, Panettiere recalled how she was lauded for her acting skills at a very early age and began to associate professional praise with maternal affection.

— Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026
This is good energy for making the invitation, sharing the draft, or showing affection first.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of affection

Noun

While the public messaging centered on their faith in Painter, the organization had concerns that Painter had not yet made the proper adjustments to succeed in the majors.

— Matt Gelb, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
The organization has formed a coalition with 70 other groups, including faith leaders, business executives, unions and other voting rights advocates.

— Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of faith

Noun

Leo Tolstoy’s masterful epic—or one of them, at least—is about one woman’s scandals, passions, and ultimate tragedy, all set amid the tumult of late-19th century Russia.

— Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Reading gains remain minimal even though effective teaching of foundational skills could turn results around quickly, that is my professional passion.

— Olivia Young, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of passion

Noun

Rezaei, who is an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamanei, said Iran will not yield to US pressure, adding the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington meets its commitments.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Despite being widely seen as a potential challenger to Infantino, the 58-year-old Ceferin expressed his commitment to UEFA.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of commitment

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“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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