devote

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 That official noted that Trump's plan to pivot away from using self-assessments—where applicants can explain their relevant skills—removes a shortcut for HR workers who will now need to devote time to independently assess every candidate. ArsTechnica, 2 June 2025 This, in part, is why WIRED devotes so much coverage to the best meal prep kits, as well as all manner of other delivery services. Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 28 May 2025 Islam recommends devoting no more than 5% of your portfolio to thematic ETFs, for example. Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 23 May 2025 Regardless of high prices, Bulgari’s Creative Director Lucia Silvestri has devoted herself to making the pieces more wearable, articulated, and comfortable on the body. Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Vogue, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for devote
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devote
Verb
  • These individuals are dedicating themselves to not only providing an outlet for patients, but in many cases, assisting patients and their families during the process of end-of-life care.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 June 2025
  • For Memorial Day weekend this year, Meet the Press dedicated its whole hour to a special edition on children’s mental health and youth loneliness.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • For instance, in Washington and Oregon, similar rules apply, while some states restrict this maneuver more heavily or require explicit signage allowing it.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 June 2025
  • This applies if there are two or more people present at the event.
    Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • But there are few substitutes for availability, and no player has given more to Spurs this season than Porro.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • The former monk also gave specific advice on how to hone in on what's important in life.
    Melody Chiu, People.com, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Good leaders and employees commit to clear objectives and the approach to achieving them.
    Megan Leasher, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Soliman was booked on multiple preliminary charges including first-degree murder and using explosives or an incendiary device while committing a felony.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Smith has spent the past 15 years actively involved in criminal justice reform in Kentucky, Tennessee and countries in Central America.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • After spending close to $300 million to return Trump to the White House, Musk was poised to have a major role in the administration and be in position to push through regulatory changes in ways that benefited his companies.
    Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Devote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devote. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on devote

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