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 Ball devoted entire sections of the memo to detailing the lawmakers’ conduct. — Molly Redden, ProPublica, 20 Oct. 2026 Amanpour did not offer a reason for her departure, devoting most of her memo to thanking the production crews who worked with her over the years. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 Beyond that, users should devote care to properly securing the media servers. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026 The film devotes a large portion of its second half focusing on Musk’s political activities with DOGE and beyond, though does not take a political position on, well, politicians, nor advocate for one candidate or cause over another. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devote

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devote

Verb

Harry dedicates this to his wife Shelby (also a dancer and actress), who absolutely should be on DWTS next season, but Jenna also incorporates Harry’s parents and his daughter into the routine.

— Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
The Duo’s inner screen is best used when dedicating the whole thing to a single app like Netflix.

— Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of dedicate

Verb

New safety requirements apply What sets the aircraft apart is its enhanced angle-of-attack system, which Boeing plans to introduce across the 737 MAX family.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
The boy was a soccer player who was enchanted by the idea of camping in the woods; Charlotte was bright and cheery, sometimes applying glitter to her father’s mustache.

— Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of apply

Verb

The prince didn’t have any luck in blocking Kelce, which comes as little surprise given the Chiefs star knows how to avoid defensive players.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
This year, the company completed its purchase of Hot Topic, BoxLunch and Her Universe from Sycamore Partners, giving it more than 3,000 stores across North America.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of give

Verb

Foul trouble hit Miami early The Hurricanes committed 13 personal fouls in the first half.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026
With support from Jeff Yass, a Pennsylvania hedge-fund billionaire who is committed to school vouchers, Abbott got detractors voted out of office.

— Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of commit

Verb

Successful candidates will then be invited to spend a day at the bank’s offices where they are tested on banking regulation, their use of AI, and their ability to build calculations.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
The Finnish Government has granted Posiva Oy an operating license for the world’s first permanent underground repository for spent nuclear fuel.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of spend

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devolving

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devoted

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“Devote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devote. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of devote

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