devote

Definition of devotenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb devote contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of devote are consecrate, dedicate, and hallow. While all these words mean "to set apart for a special and often higher end," devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective.

devoted his evenings to study

When is it sensible to use consecrate instead of devote?

The words consecrate and devote are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality.

consecrate a church to the worship of God

When could dedicate be used to replace devote?

While in some cases nearly identical to devote, dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose.

dedicated her life to medical research

When would hallow be a good substitute for devote?

Although the words hallow and devote have much in common, 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 devote Over the next year, Joyner wants to devote more time to programming her three residencies, which provide space for pairs of artists as well as a dedicated museum show. Jake Kring-Schreifels, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2026 Having devoted herself to two sports the way most elite athletes devote themselves to one, Smith is quickly approaching uncharted territory. Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026 It’s been very sobering for people who’ve devoted their lives to these issues to suddenly see this withdrawal of global support. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026 And maniacally devoted Florida Gators fans scheduled family events around football season. Emily Messina, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devote
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devote
Verb
  • The federal government, the spokesperson said, has dedicated no funding for the forest service to clean them up.
    Rachel Becker, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • But let’s be honest, dedicating a room to play is also beneficial for the parents (anyone who’s experienced a barefoot encounter with a stray LEGO piece will understand).
    Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Eight of these units were connected to each other and a linear actuator was installed at one end of the line to apply the force needed to activate the elastocaloric effect.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Regardless of the type, apply the fertilizer in late winter to prepare your tree for the upcoming growing season.
    Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Ishii said the council is focused on filling the five Police Accountability Board vacancies and finding Aguilar’s replacement, finalizing the board’s regulations, giving both oversight entities the necessary tools to succeed and restoring belief in the oversight process.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • McVay said the team would give the players time to digest the season and decide what might be next.
    Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This film adaptation cut out the second half of the book, downplayed the violence committed by Olivier’s character, Heathcliff, and played up the romance between Heathcliff and Oberon’s character, Cathy.
    Becky Little, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Blige fully committed to the monochromatic moment, pairing the coat with a coordinating faux-fur handbag.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Harris, who spent part of his youth living on Navajo reservations where his mother was a teacher, took a Navajo Nation flag with him on the shuttle to raise awareness about issues faced by Native Americans.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The writer Michael Wolff, meanwhile — the only journalist to have written about spending extensive time with Epstein — appears in the files sharing a draft of a profile with Epstein, and thanking him for a pair of shoes.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Devote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devote. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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