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 The answers don’t lie in censorship, propaganda campaigns, and a mindless devotion to the commander in chief or our troops. Gil Troy, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026 The new millennium had introduced a range of breakthrough neo-soul acts–Musiq Soulchild, Floetry, India Arie–whose music coursed with devotion and intimacy. Jackson Howard, Pitchfork, 29 Mar. 2026 It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion. Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026 Her kindness and devotion to others left a lasting impact. Tony Aiello, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • Each side features shoutouts to Kansas City’s professional soccer teams of the past and present, and love letters to his family, like a heart drawn by his niece.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The couple met and fell in love in 2023 all thanks to Merlin, according to Alali.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Mike Alexander, a frequent flier traveling to Orlando before heading to Indianapolis to watch the Michigan men's basketball team compete in the Final Four, praised the dedication of TSA officers.
    Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The dedication event honored the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo’s long-standing support of The Shea Center and other south Orange County nonprofits through the RMV Rodeo proceeds.
    Magda Liszewska, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • As with philosophy, the study of religion underscores how humankind has long speculated about its origins.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Christianity is the world's largest religion.
    Nicole Russell, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Annie can be seen playing, seeking affection and happily engaging with Hannah and the other dogs in the home.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Her 84-year-old mother’s case, still being investigated by law enforcement, generated an outpouring of public affection for the co-host.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Katherine Fan is a travel journalist covering points and miles, loyalty programs, and credit card rewards.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Shipley Donuts Shipley Donuts is offering a free four-pack of kolaches for loyalty members on April 1, according to a news release and a post on their official Facebook page.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Unfortunately, faith is in short supply as the moon and Jupiter clash.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • At a balloon release in November 2024 honoring his memory, family members described Williams, who ran his own carpet-cleaning business, as a hardworking, kind, gentle man devoted to his family and faith.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Both reflect a deep passion for a particular place—Johnson’s Middle Tennessee, Hiaasen’s South Florida—and a mixture of exasperation and grief at the destruction of the natural world to make room for megamansions and toxic waste dumps.
    Francine Prose, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The hometown kid Displayed in his unbridled passion, Perry lives in the moment.
    Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • If a group or friend asks for more than feels fair, define the commitment and suggest a structure that keeps things clean.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The Union League, in contrast, was for those who could demonstrate their commitment to the national cause, and its clubhouse quickly became a place to get the latest news from the Southern battlefields.
    Michael Gorra, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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