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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 story explores a powerful bond between friends that defies conventional definitions of love and takes them on a journey that reshapes their understanding of legacy, intimacy and devotion. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025 Finally playing alongside her in Chicago, what stood out wasn’t just Parker’s talent, but her relentless devotion while juggling motherhood, a broadcasting career and a championship run. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025 Paul Libin’s devotion to both the artistry and the humanity of the theater made an indelible mark on Broadway and stages beyond. Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 June 2025 Sparks told The Wall Street Journal that Noah’s devotion to reading Allie the story of their lives to help bring back her memory was also inspired by his ex-grandfather-in-law. Nicole Briese, People.com, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • Days of course follows the lives, loves, and conflicts of the Horton, Brady, DiMera, Kiriakis, and Hernandez families and their many friends and colleagues.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 24 July 2025
  • The movie, which became a cult classic to some and an example of poor movie judgment to others, saw Black fall in love with Paltrow for her inner beauty, rather than her outward looks.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Soliman's case has attracted wide attention since about 75 supporters held a press conference about his case just after his arrest: Local parents and medical professionals have been writing the immigration court, extolling his dedication to sick children.
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
  • Duckworth encourages readers to cultivate long-term dedication to their goals, overcome setbacks, and maintain a growth mindset to achieve excellence.
    Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Vonnegut’s signature irreverence gives us the Caribbean island nation of San Lorenzo as the setting of this 1963 satire of science, religion, American foreign policy and the Atomic Age.
    Dan Fesperman July 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
  • Lucero claims that the district violated his First Amendment rights to freedom of religion and free speech by restricting his ability to preach and teach religion at school.
    Alexandra Hardle, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Embracing private relationships, then, is partly Gen Z’s way of rejecting the suffocating pressures of perfection and returning to the value of real-life displays of affection.
    Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 22 July 2025
  • And William and Kate reportedly have a lot of affection for her back.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • From July 18-20, members of Bruster’s Sweet Rewards loyalty program can earn double points on all purchases.
    Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
  • An additional threat to customer loyalty was uncovered in a related Axios/Harris Poll earlier this year.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Critics say displaying those details may encourage some observing the festival to boycott shops owned by those of another faith – an attack on the secularism enshrined in the constitution.
    Aishwarya S. Iyer, CNN Money, 25 July 2025
  • Even in the aftermath of a loss where everything that could go wrong did, several prominent Twins said the series demonstrated their best days are still ahead, with Lewis re-emerging as a threat being central to their faith.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Come for the hard news and stay for stuff that feeds your passions: top-shelf dining, sports and music content.
    Benjamin Goad, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • After finishing her schooling, Laine worked in a variety of day jobs, although her passion for performing never wavered.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • The approval came after Skydance and its investment partner, RedBird Capital, assured the FCC of their commitment to unbiased journalism that represents diverse viewpoints.
    USA Today, USA Today, 25 July 2025
  • This requires sustained commitment and resources to monitor effectively.
    Jody Bhagat, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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