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 Maralian’s devotion to her roots and cultural traditions is reflected in her brand’s signature design, Areni. — Virginia Corneli, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026 Taurus Routines confirm your devotion to improving your aura. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026 Indeed, in her devotion to sparkle, Pechman declines to probe too deeply into any of the industry’s more hurtful or exploitative dimensions. — Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026 By 2017, Cyrus was covering her tattoos with makeup, wearing all white, and singing ballads of marital devotion. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • This is just a bunch of older Millennials with kids of their own passing on their love of toys and games to the next generation.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • But there is also there is also an element of love in that play for Mormons, which is really cool.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Certainly, the ancient Greeks appreciated symmetry and precision in their architecture; it’s even been hypothesized that this symmetry was considered divine and thus represented religious dedication to the space.
    — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026
  • This included the dedication of New York Square in Jerusalem alongside Mayor Teddy Kollek, himself a frequent visitor to NYC.
    — Herbert Block, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Oklahoma officials had argued that allowing the school into the program would violate the First Amendment’s establishment clause, which bars the government from establishing a state religion, an argument the judge rejected.
    — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Her position deviates from her religion as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which publicly opposes the ballot measure.
    — Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • There is a level of attention, sure, but that becomes affection and a sense of companionship.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Philippe recalled receiving illustrated letters almost every week, filled with drawings, doodles and notes of affection.
    — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Her resistance ignites a conflict that exposes hidden secrets, shifting loyalties and traditions that have shaped the family for generations.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • In a personalist system, leadership prizes loyalty, China expert Minxin Pei told The Beijing Brief podcast, with the consequence that strong figures — potential successors — tend to get weeded out.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The impulse to hate, rather than love, thy neighbor—especially one who practiced a different version of the same faith—was also depressingly strong.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Ali stars as Latif, a devoutly religious hitman who struggles to balance work, faith and fatherhood.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In the early 1960s, California real estate developer Joseph Eichler took his passion for modernist architecture to San Francisco, working with the architect Claude Oakland to design 104 single-family homes in the city’s Diamond Heights neighborhood.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026
  • For Royal, the seven-year-old girl who first fell in love with the guitar could hardly have imagined where that passion would take her.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That said, the agreement appears to stop short of any concrete purchase commitment, and the two-month trade truce extension appears constrained compared to analysts’ pre-summit expectations of at least six months.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
  • For Circ, the agreement provides a commitment of future demand as the company works to build commercial-scale capacity.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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