plural loyalties
Synonyms of loyalty
: the quality or state or an instance of being loyal
the loyalty of the team's fans
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
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.
Cary, torn between his own desires and others’ expectations, can’t seem to determine where his loyalties lie. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 July 2026 Set in the immigrant neighborhoods of 1950s Brooklyn, Miller’s searing tragedy explores the tensions between devotion and desire, justice and loyalty, and the promise and pressures of the American Dream. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 July 2026 These foundations were care, equality, proportionality (rewarding individuals relative to their contribution), loyalty, authority or respect for legitimate authorities, and purity (concern with preserving what is seen as natural or sacred). Alexandra Figueroa, The Conversation, 14 July 2026 Major airlines that have signed deals with Starlink have been offering Wi-Fi complimentary for loyalty program members. Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of loyalty was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loyalty. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

plural loyalties
: the quality or state of being loyal

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