DEDICATE Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'dedicate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dedicate are consecrate , devote , and hallow . While all these words mean "to set apart for a special and often higher end," dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose. // dedicated her life to medical research

Q: Where would 'consecrate' be a reasonable alternative to 'dedicate'?

The synonyms consecrate and dedicate are sometimes interchangeable, but consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality. // consecrate a church to the worship of God

Q: When might 'devote' be a better fit than 'dedicate'?

Although the words devote and dedicate have much in common, devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective. // devoted his evenings to study

Q: In what contexts can 'hallow' take the place of 'dedicate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dedicate , hallow , often differing little from dedicate or consecrate , may distinctively imply an attribution of intrinsic sanctity. // battlegrounds hallowed by the blood of patriots

dedicate

verb

ˈde-di-ˌkāt

Definition of dedicate

as in to devote

to keep or intend for a special purpose a young attorney who has decided to dedicate her career to helping the poor receive justice

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How does the verb dedicate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dedicate are consecrate, devote, and hallow. While all these words mean "to set apart for a special and often higher end," dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose.

dedicated her life to medical research

Where would consecrate be a reasonable alternative to dedicate?

The synonyms consecrate and dedicate are sometimes interchangeable, but consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality.

consecrate a church to the worship of God

When might devote be a better fit than dedicate?

Although the words devote and dedicate have much in common, devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective.

devoted his evenings to study

In what contexts can hallow take the place of dedicate?

While in some cases nearly identical to dedicate, hallow, often differing little from dedicate or consecrate, may distinctively imply an attribution of intrinsic sanctity.

battlegrounds hallowed by the blood of patriots

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 dedicate Fast forward to 2014, when the Scarks family purchased House Island, sold its northern half, dedicated the rest—and themselves—to the creation of eco-glampround Fortland. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026 The governor’s aides offered an alternative plan to dedicate around $7 billion over several years to healthcare funding in California, which didn’t move Regan. — Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026 The counterargument to this is that sport has also become a bigger industry in modern times — one that allows many sports to dedicate exceptional resources to identifying and developing young talent. — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 25 July 2026 Fortunately, most cruise lines provide towels for lounging by the pool, as well as for shore excursions and beach days, so there’s little reason to dedicate room in your luggage to one. — Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dedicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate

Verb

If writing a 10-page proposal yields $30,000 in capital faster than closing 50 cold calls, a rational business owner will devote their afternoons to proposal writing.

— AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Last year the Norwegian podcast The Burning of the Midnight Amp devoted an episode to Whomp That Sucker.

— Al Shipley, SPIN, 31 July 2026

Definition of devote

Verb

Tom Holland‘s Peter Parker made the difficult decision to erase his identity from the world in order to save the multiverse, leaving his girlfriend (Zendaya) and best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) to forget about him.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 2 Aug. 2026
The most obvious drawback is that the program doesn’t save money for New Yorkers overall.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of save

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decussating

dedicate

dedicated

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“Dedicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dedicate. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of dedicate

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