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

There are few items the shopping writer Julia Harrison holds as strong a loyalty to as the Dorai stone bath mat. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 7 July 2026

Out of loyalty to her father, Rhaenyra refuses, eventually deciding to send him north to the Wall. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Ask Johnny What’s important here is not choosing between loyalty and ambition. — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Casillas resurfaces after disappearing from his inner circle, determined to reclaim his empire and settle scores with both old enemies and new ones, even as the DEA closes in and the loyalties around him begin to fracture. — Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

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