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 more institutions devote space to designers and their archives, clothing is increasingly understood as a cultural artifact rather than simply a commercial product. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 Homeland Security devoted $20 million to the campaign, which critics say promotes Trump’s political message rather than helping the public access government services. — Gene Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 Now heading into its 14th edition alongside the Lumière Film Festival, run by Cannes chief Thierry Frémaux, the MIFC remains relatively small but occupies a unique position as a marketplace devoted entirely to classic and heritage film. — Lise Pedersen, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 Imagery, in its poetic sense, is unbridled by the laws of the real, unconcerned with replication, devoted instead to the rolling expanse of attempt. — Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devote

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devote

Verb

The company will need to dedicate key resources to meet that timeline, including developing life support systems for crew.

— Andrew Jones, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026
The American Society of Civil Engineers dedicated the highway as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark at the event Wednesday morning.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of dedicate

Verb

The approach applies manufacturing practices to research and development, allowing engineers and machinists to modify components and processes quickly as designs evolve.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Al Hassan wants renewal to happen automatically without needing to apply.

— Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of apply

Verb

Most questions were friendly and business-centric, but Marshall also gave his opinion on several polarizing issues, including federal immigration enforcement, tariffs and the war in Iran.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
Four turboprop engines power the aircraft, giving it the performance needed for demanding military transport operations.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of give

Verb

In August 2021, Qatar signed another agreement committing $40 million to a cash assistance program that would give nearly 100,000 Palestinian households $100 per month for four months.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
In 2013, the foundation committed $50 million to establish Dell Medical School at UT Austin, along with another $10 million for local health care initiatives.

— Sydney Lake, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of commit

Verb

The frontman said he was humbled by the action and was touched to spend time with members of the Minneapolis community who worked on the front lines during the ICE surge.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
OpenAI, for example, expects to spend more than $25 billion on training alone this year.

— Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 16 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of devote

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