Definition of dedicatenext
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 Komilova was a housewife who dedicated her life to her family, Azizov said. Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026 Phillip Chung described his parents as devoted, hardworking people who dedicated their lives to their children. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026 Carve out a real lounge zone Even on a tight footprint, dedicating space to relaxing matters as much as space for dining or entertaining. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026 Shops like Midbottcentury and New Times Finds even dedicate a bulk of their inventory to the aesthetic, sourcing 1940s and ‘50s silhouettes that are available to ship globally. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dedicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate
Verb
  • The situation stems from the commendable liberal impulse to devote extensive resources to public education.
    Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
  • News outlets devoted round-the-clock coverage to Jackson, and MTV dedicated its programming almost exclusively to the musician.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • One Secret Service agent was shot but was saved by a bulletproof vest.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
  • In virtually every track meet, especially the big ones, Rancho Buena Vista High School’s Justian Richardson has saved his best triple jump for last.
    Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dedicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dedicate. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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