dedicate

verb

ˈde-di-ˌkāt How to pronounce dedicate (audio)
Definition of dedicatenext
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

Synonym Chooser

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 With direct insight into the invisible load that is often carried, Poo has dedicated her life’s work to advocating for and reimagining how society views and treats the labor of caregivers. —Mariah Maddox, Parents, 22 July 2025 Public media fans are dedicated and motivated, Rodriguez said. —Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2025 Images show five faces—representing Ariane de Rothschild and her four daughters, to whom Ariane dedicates this boat. —Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 This version is best for users who want hands-free convenience without dedicating too much space. —Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for dedicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate
  1. devote
  2. save
Verb
  • Jane comes from a background of poverty and has stayed in their hometown for the past 20 years, devoting herself to caregiving.
    — Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
  • With this work, the tenacious journalist and advocate for the Everglades devoted her life to preserving the unique, sprawling ecosystem now protected by federal law.
    — Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 July 2025
Definition of devote
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
Definition of save

Browse Nearby Words

decussating
dedicate
dedicated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dedicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dedicate. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dedicate

Nglish: Translation of dedicate for Spanish Speakers

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