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 next

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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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 Directed and produced by Steven Gunnell and Sabrina Gunnell of KREA Film-Makers, the film explores the origins and enduring significance of the Catholic devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, rooted in the 17th-century visions of Margaret Mary Alacoque in Paray-le-Monial, France. —

Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026 Over the years, that first experience turned into a long-term devotion to the breed. —

Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026 But in terms of passion, devotion, organization, loyalty, national presence and a blue-collar ethos, Broncos Country and the Mafia are cousins cut from the same AFL cloth. —

Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 7 Apr. 2026 Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. —

Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion

Noun

How one was born for the stage or how the other had inexplicably inherited Jean’s love for animal prints.

— Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
McCormick began sending Kim love letters — dozens of them.

— Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026