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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 Whereas China views the Dalai Lama’s succession question through the cold lens of realpolitik and statecraft, Tibetans see it through the cosmic prism of devotion and spiritual meaning. Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025 Pitchfork, by contrast, had a near monastic devotion to talking about music as music. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 29 Aug. 2025 Ruben Amorim’s dogmatic approach must change Whatever credit Amorim had in the bank has been rapidly used up and his dogmatic devotion to his preferred 3-4-3 formation is starting to grate on many. Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 His desperate, lacerating Teddy is a character who has ruined his own life, who has martyred himself out of his devotion to The Truth. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • To complete the sequence, Gray returned to his love and lightly touched hands before drinking a potion to join him in eternity.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • She was known for her vibrant spirit, artistic talent, and deep love for animals.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Because of his dedication to the center, Marshall became its namesake in 2023.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Yet, Aramayo’s sensitive portrayal of the man and Jones’ unflinching dedication to showing some of Davidson’s most painful moments, the ones that pushed him into action, add up to an insightful biopic that chronicles a very worthy subject.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The canonization of two people who died young comes as religion has been declining among young people, including American Catholics.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Before that, an indigenous population occupied the land with their own distinct languages, religions, and economies, many of which still exist today despite decades of brutal crackdowns from the Argentinian state.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Then, even deep affection can diminish under the weight of misaligned expectations.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Separately than just, 'Wow, that's a great performance,' people have an affection and a deeper bond through him.
    Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Unwavering loyalty Schrandt told ABC News that any deportations to Afghanistan are an unacceptable outcome.
    Chris Boccia, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Papers paired with flower or pre-rolls can drive incremental sales and encourage brand loyalty.
    Sara Payan, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While weathering the storms of life, the church has served as a beacon of faith, hope and community service.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The football landscape has changed 20 years on, and 10 new signings show United wanted to change the squad, but there is evident faith in retaining the nucleus of Farke’s 2025 centurions.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Her passion spread more during the pandemic when some things were hard to get so Quigley began growing her own lettuce.
    Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • To wit, Andrea Tarella has succeeded in transforming his passion for drawing into a profession, working with brands ranging from Prada and Gucci to Valentino.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But this long-term commitment is a big move from both parties.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • In 2018, the Heat captured the NBA’s inaugural Inclusion Leadership Award for the franchise’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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