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Some common synonyms of devotion<\/em> are allegiance<\/em><\/a>, fealty<\/em><\/a>, fidelity<\/em><\/a>, loyalty<\/em><\/a>, and piety<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty,\" devotion<\/em> stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.<\/p>

\/\/ a painter's devotion<\/em> to her art<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'allegiance' be used to replace 'devotion'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms allegiance<\/em><\/a> and devotion<\/em> are close in meaning, allegiance<\/em> suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.<\/p>

\/\/ pledging allegiance<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'fealty' be a good substitute for 'devotion'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words fealty<\/em><\/a> and devotion<\/em> can be used in similar contexts, but fealty<\/em> implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.<\/p>

\/\/ fealty<\/em> to the truth<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'fidelity' be a better fit than 'devotion'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words fidelity<\/em><\/a> and devotion<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, fidelity<\/em> implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.<\/p>

\/\/ marital fidelity<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'loyalty' be a reasonable alternative to 'devotion'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words loyalty<\/em><\/a> and devotion<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loyalty<\/em> implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray.<\/p>

\/\/ valued the loyalty<\/em> of his friends<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'piety' instead of 'devotion'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words piety<\/em><\/a> and devotion<\/em> have much in common, piety<\/em> stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental.<\/p>

\/\/ filial piety<\/em><\/p>" } } ] }

Definition of devotionnext
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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 series followed the Christian fundamentalist clan who used their television platform to preach purity, modesty and religious devotion. Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026 Here, the focus shifts to the local and relatable stories of three mortals – Goma, Navaraj and Chandravati – and their devotion to the local Nepali Hindu goddess Swasthani. Jessica Vantine Birkenholtz, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026 Throughout the afternoon, friends, relatives and all those who profited from her devotion to learning came by to honor her, reminisce with her and show their appreciation for her lifelong efforts. Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026 Designing stopped being about expectation and became about devotion again, which made the experience incredibly joyful. Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devotion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devotion
Noun
  • Investigators said the two women shared a love interest who broke up with Perkins to be with Gonzalez.
    Emerson Clarridge Updated March 21, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Not a lot of people get together for love.
    Souvankham Thammavongsa, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Their professionalism and dedication is deeply appreciated.
    Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The award celebrates leaders and changemakers for their dedication to the arts.
    Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • There are too many examples of religion trying to control all of us, and only for their ends, not ours.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
  • But Mormonism is a high-demand, patriarchal religion, and the church’s obsession with Godly worthiness has only made the fixation on beauty flourish.
    Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Mutual affection was also evident onstage, especially in a dazzling account of Gershwin’s American in Paris.
    Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • His affection for the countryside is also reflected in his watercolors.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That pack loyalty appeared to be what kept them united through their harrowing escape and long walk home.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Common projects focus on strengthening profitable growth initiatives such as improving loyalty programs, responding to competitive threats, or identifying strategies to lift comparable store sales.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • For many Jewish Americans, the antisemitic incidents have confirmed longstanding fears about the rise of antisemitism, as well as the need to vigorously counter extremism and live their faith undaunted by threats.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Mar. 2026
  • By convening a focus group of seven swing state voters, all mothers between 27 and 48 years old, the Democratic firm Navigator Research found angst about the country’s direction and little faith in either party’s ability to fix its problems.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In recent years, Nicky has found his passion in painting and art.
    Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Huerta channels her passion into a union Dolores Clara Fernandez was born April 10, 1930, in Dawson, New Mexico.
    Stephanie Elam, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Maxwell’s drive, commitment to quality journalism and development of intentional career goals were inspiring.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Materials, produce, and products are sourced locally wherever possible and chef Mauro Colagreco’s commitment to circular gastronomy further reinforces the hotel’s eco-conscious approach.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devotion. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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