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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 Outdoors, her once-controversial mermaid fountain in Ghirardelli Square, another fountain depicting city life in minute detail on Stockton Street near Union Square, and the Japanese American Internment Memorial in downtown San Jose show her devotion to her community. Robert Taylor, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025 The pieces and garments have been expertly selected as symbols of devotion. Ito Bindery, Air Mail, 19 Apr. 2025 The practice allowed the meditators to view their devotion as closely tied to Magdalene. Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025 American Idol leaned into the Easter Sunday (April 20) holiday with a three-hour episode in which this season’s top 20 sang anthems of faith and devotion, with one contestant turning heads thanks to his original song dedicated to a lost friend. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • Sunrise Film has acquired dark comedy love story Sunlight for the U.S. and is preparing a theatrical reelase.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 May 2025
  • Here, what animates the score is not lust that blots out reason or the redemptive power of love.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Fergie Jenkins soaks up the adoration as the Chicago Cubs unveil his statue outside Wrigley Field When Fergie Jenkins attended the statue dedication ceremonies for his former Chicago Cubs teammates at Wrigley Field, the thought had to cross his mind.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2025
  • This type of long-term thinking and governmental dedication is the type of action that sets up Estonia for decades of success.
    Mark Minevich, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • That’s because these tax exemptions are provided only to organizations that are organized and operated primarily for charitable purposes, such as education, religion or scientific research.
    Philip Hackney, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
  • The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American to hold the papacy, has added a new dynamic to the intersection of religion and politics in the United States.
    Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Our shop has proudly served our community for more than 30 years, earning the affection of both local residents and the many tourists who visit each year.
    American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • Then came the explosion of makeover shows that disguised cruelty as tough love, and reality dating shows that continue to pit a parade of interchangeable women against one another for the affections of the same male stranger.
    Maya Salam, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Members of the Dunkin' Rewards loyalty program can get a 10-count Munchkins order for $2 through May 15.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Unlike President Donald Trump who seems to have the hardest time developing the finessed ways of a seasoned politician, Pritzker became a fast learner of how to overtly and covertly use his riches to buy loyalty or crush those who stand in his way.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Giddings interrogates the meaning of faith in a heady novel about love and family.
    Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
  • Serving as missionaries in the South American country gave them both a special appreciation for their faith, according to Turley.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • The Savage brothers ultimately pursued other passions beyond acting, with Fred working extensively as a TV director and Ben getting into Los Angeles politics.
    Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 15 May 2025
  • However, that jolt of youth culture and passion for music didn’t translate with their neighbors.
    Nate Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • His personal journey fuels his commitment to guiding families through the intricate landscape of financial tools and benefits available to support individuals with special needs.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Sports content is expected to remain the dominant force in securing advertiser commitments during Upfronts this year, despite growing economic uncertainty.
    Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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