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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 In more recent years, Allen dedicated himself to community service and raising funds for good causes as the president and CEO of Groove E. Productions. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2025 Thousands of researchers in my field dedicate their lives to understanding the brain, hoping to develop treatments for learning disabilities, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. Jessica Cantlon, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025 More recently, Allen has been dedicating his time to community service, raising money for military veterans and families, as well as women’s shelters through various events. Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025 For Schooley, who has dedicated most of his life to protecting the mountain, there is no room for complacency. Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dedicate 

Thesaurus Entries Near dedicate

Cite this Entry

“Dedicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dedicate. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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