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

His administration was marked by strong political loyalty to the central government and the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela, rather than by national prominence or independent leadership. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026

The introduction and expansion of the company’s signature Made-to-Order food program became a hallmark of its identity, as did its emphasis on quality fuel offerings and technological upgrades, including early adoption of mobile apps and loyalty programs. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026

Gangs and criminal organizations have no ideological loyalty to the government; their priority is preserving control over illicit markets, including drugs, kidnapping, extortion and food distribution. —Rebecca Hanson, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026

Players won’t stay at a school that won’t pay for their loyalty. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 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