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 For The Union-Tribune For centuries, the rose has stood as a universal emblem of love, beauty and devotion. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026 Indian history is filled with charismatic – and often controversial – figures who commanded huge devotion. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026 In its worst forms, paranoia is a misapplication of the tools of attention, devotion, and care, scuttled by dread, the oppression of the unknown, and a lack of support. James Folta, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026 She is remembered for her devotion to her family, as a role model to her younger brothers and loving dog mom to her Yorkshire terrier. Annasofia Scheve, San Antonio Express-News, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • This version of Shakespeare’s gleefully silly comedy is set in 1940s Las Vegas, where love and friendship are put to the test.
    Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The most common, red roses are the gold standard sign of love and romance.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The week will highlight the show’s dedication to celebrating women who inspire change, break barriers and uplift one another.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Dear Academy members, Thank you for your dedication and participation this Oscars season.
    Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Trump in his remarks boasted of returning religion back to the center of American politics and culture, emphasizing efforts to support prayer in school, policies targeting transgender people and the creation of a White House faith office, among other actions.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
  • According to the lawsuit, students were not required to take bags, and Robinson offered bags that accommodated other religions or did not include religious messages.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • By cutting so much of Brontë’s sprawling novel down to the quick, by focusing so squarely on just Cathy and Heathcliff, we’re trapped only in the immediacy of their doomed affection, which is never allowed to be hot enough to make the entire effort come together, let alone come undone.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The psychonauts have a deep affection for the models, and the Summit Bridge exercise moved Nostalgebraist to publish an indignant post.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Accountability builds safety and loyalty; shifting blame never works for long.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The Cineplex chief said data from the company’s Scene loyalty program helps target the right theaters and showtimes to reach diverse and multicultural audiences across Canada.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Perhaps some enterprising Democrat or Republican will come along who exhibits more faith in our constitutional system, governs with the foresight that there are more elections to come than just the next one — and reaps the benefits.
    David M. Drucker, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
  • What’s changed are his lyrics, now packed with direct references to the Most High and dripping with earnest testimonies inspired by his own faith journey.
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Lilies symbolize promise, passion, life and fidelity.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The 17-year-old Buzbee, a student at Hamilton Southeastern High School, was known for her big smile, generosity, ease with people and passion for journalism.
    Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Luge, like all Olympic sports, requires an unwavering commitment to achieve success.
    Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The fun of Novocaine is in watching Quaid's commitment to the bit as the film pushes its premise to the extreme.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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