devote

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 Newsome and Osborne attribute the Chiefs’ devoted fanbase to the humility shaped by years of struggle and losses. J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2025 In 1998, the U.S. shifted its acceptance policy to only allow a panda to reside stateside if China devoted more than half of its annual fee to conservation efforts, according to the History Channel. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 24 Jan. 2025 That same year, the museum devoted $820,000 to an institutional rebrand. News Desk, Artforum, 24 Jan. 2025 There have been plenty of DNPs for Dillingham so far this season, some because coach Chris Finch is devoting more time to veterans to get the team going and some because Dillingham has had to deal with two ankle sprains already this season. Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for devote 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devote
Verb
  • In Fiscal Year 2023, the U.S. dedicated more than $44.6 billion on international development worldwide, according to USAID.
    Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Honorees didn’t steer away from political subjects, with Shakira dedicating her fourth career Grammy to immigrants, Lady Gaga speaking in support of the LGBTQ community and Alicia Keys addressing recent attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
    Sandra Gonzalez, CNN, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The 30% promo also applies to Mexico City and Cancún, The carrier transported more than 1.2 million passengers in 2024 and expects that to increase to 1.7 million in 2025.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Also, keep in mind that rock salt is more likely to damage plants when it’s applied in late winter. 4.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Acquiring Plum gives a veteran guard to the Sparks young core of Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink and reunites her with her former Aces teammate Dearica Hamby.
    Doug Feinberg, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The rise in right-wing extremism — not least in Germany, where the far-right AfD party is running second in the polls — gives The Investigation a current relevance, but director Kahl says current politics was not on his mind.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But Dallas’ inability to commit to Dončić is all the more reason for the Warriors to commit to Curry in ways beyond general wealth.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Of course, many of the assaults that were found to be committed by serial rapists could have been prevented, if only the rape kits of their earlier victims had been tested with some dispatch.
    Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Jaguars spent the last two seasons in Class 3A, losing 39-38 to Marshall in the Section 2AAA semifinals last year.
    Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Robbin Rae McCulloch is a California native who spent two decades teaching and developing digital media arts programs at various high schools in Oakland and Greater Los Angeles.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near devote

Cite this Entry

“Devote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devote. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

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