loyalty

noun

loy·​al·​ty ˈlȯi(-ə)l-tē How to pronounce loyalty (audio)
plural loyalties
: 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.
Members of Target Circle, the retailer's free-to-join loyalty program, can find all the Black Friday deals – and some exclusives – extra deals in the Target app. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024 Since joining the cast in Season 2, Dr. Heavenly has consistently delivered iconic one-liners, loyalty to her friends, and a willingness to dive headfirst into drama. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 27 Nov. 2024 Thanksgiving is not the time to decide your family's loyalties. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 Of those surveyed, there was a 64 percent rise in shoppers influenced by the benefits of loyalty programs. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 27 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near loyalty

Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loyalty. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

loyalty

noun
loy·​al·​ty ˈlȯi(-ə)l-tē How to pronounce loyalty (audio)
plural loyalties
: the quality or state of being loyal

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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