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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Donations are also being accepted in exchange for dedicating a hole in honor or in memory of a pet at the golf tournament fundraiser. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025 The Queen's Green Planet was promoting a project encouraging Commonwealth nations to dedicate a forest in honor of Elizabeth. Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025 Former tennis player and sports scientist Mark Kovacs has dedicated years to researching the biomechanics behind a tennis serve. Ben Church, CNN Money, 8 July 2025 Meanwhile, on a more frivolous note, Corriere dedicated a piece to the wedding’s security details. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for dedicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate
Verb
  • Alaska ranks third, with residents devoting about 14 percent of their monthly income to premiums.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • Now, Koller is devoting much of her time to her lifelong passion for blending biology and machine learning as CEO and founder of insitro, a drug discovery and development company.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • For more ways to save on your power bill or to see if opting out makes sense for your budget, visit Cyberguy.com/SaveonPower 7) Monitor comfort and performance Keep an eye on how your AC performs during demand events.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
  • Unfortunately, after consultations with the office, I was asked not to work this week to save my brain cells for the second half.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dedicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dedicate. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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