DEDICATE Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

dedicate

verb

ˈde-di-ˌkāt

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Hood County commissioners will present a proclamation on Tuesday to dedicate Williamson Road, a two-mile rural road south of Granbury between Glen Rose Highway and Canyon Creek. —

Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2026 Growing up in Baltimore, Davon Barbour was inspired by the struggles of his hometown and dedicated his career to helping downtown and dense urban areas thrive under pressure. —

Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026 Chalamet dedicated his award to his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, USA Today reported. —

Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026 Bass' statement said that LA's Bureau of Street Services dedicated additional resources towards the repairs, which included personnel who would be working longer hours to make the streets safer. —

Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dedicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dedicate

Verb

The Spanish chef’s fine-dining concept is an homage to the glories of the world’s oceans, with a strong emphasis on the bounty of the local waters that includes lionfish, Mahi Mahi, and an entire menu section devoted entirely to various renditions of conch.

— Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
But Man-su, who has devoted his life to the careful cultivation of paper products while everyone else has gone digital, has an easier time setting his crime in motion than in executing it.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026