DEVOTE Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'devote' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of devote are consecrate , dedicate , and hallow . While all these words mean "to set apart for a special and often higher end," devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective. // devoted his evenings to study

Q: When is it sensible to use 'consecrate' instead of 'devote'?

The words consecrate and devote are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality. // consecrate a church to the worship of God

Q: When could 'dedicate' be used to replace 'devote'?

While in some cases nearly identical to devote , dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose. // dedicated her life to medical research

Q: When would 'hallow' be a good substitute for 'devote'?

Although the words hallow and devote have much in common, hallow , often differing little from dedicate or consecrate , may distinctively imply an attribution of intrinsic sanctity. // battlegrounds hallowed by the blood of patriots

devote

verb

di-ˈvōt

Definition of devote

as in to dedicate

to keep or intend for a special purpose I conscientiously devote several hours every weekend to playing with my dog

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to apply

to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention planning a diplomatic career, she's been intensely devoting herself to the study of foreign languages in college

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb devote contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of devote are consecrate, dedicate, and hallow. While all these words mean "to set apart for a special and often higher end," devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective.

devoted his evenings to study

When is it sensible to use consecrate instead of devote?

The words consecrate and devote are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality.

consecrate a church to the worship of God

When could dedicate be used to replace devote?

While in some cases nearly identical to devote, dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose.

dedicated her life to medical research

When would hallow be a good substitute for devote?

Although the words hallow and devote have much in common, 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 devote As rookies in 2022, Mike LaFleur was a first-time play caller from the Kyle Shanahan tree devoted wholly to his scheme. — Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 That tells me that GoPro was able to bring it to market without devoting huge resources to development. — Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 For more than four years, detectives, prosecutors, victim advocates, crime analysts, support staff and countless others have devoted their time, talent and determination to seeking justice for Jared and his family. — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 During her later years, Fabares devoted herself to philanthropic causes, fighting for Alzheimer’s research and human rights. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devote

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devote

Verb

In the months leading up to the eclipse Charles had dedicated precious down time to prepare his team and test new software for the solar telescopes.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Indie film stalwart Neil LaBute is set to receive a career honor at the Oldenburg International Film Festival, which will dedicate a retrospective to the American filmmaker and playwright and host the world premiere of his latest film, Murderous.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of dedicate

Verb

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning that applies to more than 1 million people in San Diego County, mostly across inland valleys, foothills and mountains where high temperatures will approach or exceed 95 to 114 degrees.

— Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
The study found the models understood concepts such as the Kelly criterion and Merton share in theory but struggled to apply appropriate risk management when making actual simulated trading decisions.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of apply

Verb

Suggest the plan, capture the takeaways, and give everyone one clear action.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
Utilizing quick, short passes, Hayes completed 14 of his first 16 attempts, including a 26-yard touchdown strike to sophomore tight end Ian Figi that gave Naperville Central a 14-0 lead.

— Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of give

Verb

The country is also placing its hopes on automation, with the government committing 1 billion Singapore dollars ($787 million) to public AI research from 2026 to 2030.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Three of the South Dakota State commit’s six receptions ended in the end zone.

— Jerry Birchfield, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of commit

Verb

Robert spent the prior six years with Chicago, hitting 38 home runs and stealing 20 bases in 2023, his best season and lone All-Star appearance.

— Will Sammon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
While higher earners had been spending more using credit cards, the institute said the gap across income classes began narrowing in May of this year.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of spend

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devolving

devote

devoted

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

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Synonyms of devote

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