loyalty

noun

loy·​al·​ty ˈlȯi(-ə)l-tē 

plural loyalties

: the quality or state or an instance of being loyal

the loyalty of the team's fans

Synonyms of loyalty

• allegiance
• commitment
• dedication
• devotion
• fidelity

Choose the Right Synonym for loyalty

fidelity, allegiance, fealty, loyalty, devotion, piety mean faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty.

fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray.

valued the loyalty of his friends

devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental.

filial piety

Examples of loyalty in a Sentence

the loyalty of the team's fans

there was no denying that dog's loyalty to his master

Recent Examples on the Web

The day ended Sunderland’s last top-tier stint, a 1-0 defeat confirming relegation and continuing a winless home run which spanned a loyalty-bludgeoning 364 days. —Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025

In the McCarthy era, her father, a field examiner for the National Labor Relations Board, had been subjected to a loyalty hearing and blacklisted. —Dan Greene, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025

My work on Congress has also documented how leaders invoke their power to dictate constituent communication for members of their party and use campaign finance donations to bolster party loyalty. —Sorelle Wyckoff Gaynor, The Conversation, 1 Dec. 2025

Yalof said more shopping incentives this season, including doorbusters; prizes; buy-one, get-one free deals, and stackable discounts for Tanger loyalty customers strengthened the value proposition across Tanger’s 30 outlet centers and three open-air lifestyle centers. —David Moin, Footwear News, 30 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English leawte, lewte, from Anglo-French lealté, leauté, from leal, leial loyal

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing loyalty

• divided loyalty

Rhymes for loyalty

• royalty
• disloyalty
• viceroyalty

Kids Definition

loyalty

noun

loy·​al·​ty ˈlȯi(-ə)l-tē 

plural loyalties

: the quality or state of being loyal