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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

Examples 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 Known for her fiercely competitive spirit and devotion to her Catholic faith, Kennedy raised 11 children as a single mother after her husband was gunned down in 1968 — five years after his older brother President John F. Kennedy. Kathy Ehrich Dowd, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024 Lawmakers from high-tax states — including Republicans — have made clear their ardent devotion to the cause of restoring the deduction. Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 But what may not be as widely known is his devotion as a father to his three daughters. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 For her, devotion and art are connected, and her collection and sponsorships around the art world center largely on depictions of the Hindu god Krishna. Shreejaya Nair, ARTnews.com, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for devotion 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The film embraces heroism in the face of an oppressive regime, the strength of fraternal ties and the themes of love, betrayal, morality and hope.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Her personal narrative intertwines with her professional path, fueling her relentless dedication to her clients' cases.
    Tyler Shepherd, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
  • In 1980, this dedication brought SCAD leaders right to the doors of the White House.
    IndieWire Staff, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The curse of religion is that its faithful cannot learn objective lessons from the evidence before them.
    Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • And how does that square with the violence of organized religion?
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • In this instance, familiarity does not breed contempt but fosters an affection that deepens with every passing year.
    Nick Foulkes, theweek, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Even if Joe Biden provoked little affection, his campaign felt to his supporters like the culmination of a liberation movement.
    Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • To address the issue and restore customer loyalty, the complaint suggests that Chipotle would need to increase portion sizes, which would, in turn, raise the company’s cost of sales.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Macrinus is, at least, self-motivated, while Lucius reads as indifferent until the script requires him to make an abrupt shift in loyalties.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Simone Talma Flowers serves as the executive director of Interfaith Action of Central Texas, an organization that brings people of all faiths and cultures together to cultivate peace and respect.
    Simone Talma Flowers, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • But Commins has faith the project will have notable results.
    Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • As does her passion for pasta, which echoes time spent at the late Del Posto in NYC.
    Matthew Odam, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
  • As a former human resources case manager, Fink pursued her lifelong passion for cooking during the pandemic, taking online classes and experimenting with recipes as a stress reliever.
    Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Hartzell said the university is in a moment of change, but its commitment to students remains the same.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Another motivation was Watson’s ideological commitments.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 21 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on devotion

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