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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 fans who send gifts and letters to Mangione in prison now would only double down on their devotion. Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 2 Apr. 2025 Faculty members may decide that their devotion to the pursuit of knowledge may not be worth the occupational risk. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2025 Some clutched rosaries, others took selfies or touched the protective glass in front of the seemingly sleeping young man, who died of leukemia at 15 in 2006 and is generating a devotion that astonishes even Assisi’s bishop. Time, 27 Mar. 2025 Schiffer pointed out that Stefani's devotion to faith has never been a secret, but noted that her openness could be risky amid today's divided cultural landscape. Ashley Hume, Fox News, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • Post Malone and his new love have a taste for the finer things.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • And that's where the real magic happened — Hoppus and Everly fell in love, got married in 2000, and had a son, Jack Hoppus, two years later.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His two sensational strikes against Madrid were a culmination of his dedication on the training ground.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • That demands real action, dedication, and daily commitment.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Bold, maximal artworks challenging religion and American intervention in Latin America.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Trump unites all people, regardless of race, religion or color of their skin.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Either way, to compare the outpouring of affection which accompanied his exit to what might happen to Alexander-Arnold when Liverpool wrap up this season at home against Crystal Palace on May 25 is short-sighted.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • In the short clip, the cat is seen gently sniffing and rubbing her snout against her new owner's face, a clear and immediate sign of affection and trust.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Republicans tried to recast the contest as a chance for Trump’s base to come out and show their loyalty to him and push back against judges Trump claims treat him and his administration unfairly.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 2 Apr. 2025
  • After all, Trump has proven in the past that his loyalty is conditional.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In a trailer for Not Just a Goof, Kevin Lima, who directed A Goofy Movie, recalls what a leap of faith the project was from the start.
    Jen Juneau, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • In the Jewish faith, April 20, 2025 marks the end of Passover.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Kicking has turned into his new passion over the last few years.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Our Pause for Purpose curriculum is one example of an intentional step toward making a career change or pivot with passion and purpose.
    Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This year’s program reflects the festival’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices and championing artists who challenge, inspire, and innovate.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2025
  • This partnership not only cements Woods' connection to the Masters but also underscores his commitment to giving back to the community through education and golf.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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