DEDICATE Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

dedicate

verb

ˈde-di-ˌkāt

Definition of dedicate

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

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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 Unlike most distributors, Kani abandoned contemporary acquisitions to dedicate itself entirely to repertory cinema. — José Salazar, IndieWire, 24 Aug. 2026 Few foundations have dedicated programs for funding communications. — Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 To protect them from interference from magnetic or electric fields, scientists have to dedicate large vacuum chambers and shields that can take up big lab spaces. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026 At the time, voters declined to authorize a $12 million bond that would have seen funding for historic sites, but also would have dedicated $5 million to repairing and upgrading the Independence Athletic Complex. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dedicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate

Verb

In the later years of her life, Eastman settled in Montana and devoted herself to animal advocacy.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
In order to keep playing shows these past few years, Frampton has devoted himself to an intensive workout regime that minimizes the impact of IBM.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of devote

Verb

As impressive as many space-saving tiny houses are, not everyone is cut out for climbing into small lofts using movable ladders, or sleeping on a sofa bed every night.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Goldman found Koreans in their sixties save more than any other age group, retaining 37% of their income.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of save

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decussating

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dedicated

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“Dedicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dedicate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of dedicate

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