Definition of fealtynext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fealty distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fealty are allegiance, devotion, fidelity, loyalty, and piety. While all these words mean "faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty," fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

Where would allegiance be a reasonable alternative to fealty?

While the synonyms allegiance and fealty are close in meaning, allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

In what contexts can devotion take the place of fealty?

The meanings of devotion and fealty largely overlap; however, devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

When could fidelity be used to replace fealty?

While in some cases nearly identical to fealty, fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

When would loyalty be a good substitute for fealty?

The words loyalty and fealty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray.

valued the loyalty of his friends

When might piety be a better fit than fealty?

The synonyms piety and fealty are sometimes interchangeable, but piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental.

filial piety

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of fealty The post has sparked a bipartisan backlash and will be sure to test the limits of Republican fealty to Trump, which, amid the chaos of his second term, has been a constant. Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026 The movie’s fealty to the source material, as called into question by many since the very casting of these two leads, is ultimately irrelevant. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Feb. 2026 This interpretation of the events pledges fealty to the source material, sometimes at the expense of character development, but the film’s all-star cast is more than equipped to pick up the slack. Lia Beck, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Dec. 2025 The president of a private university in Michigan whose values are based on America's founding principles is hopeful for the future of academia, despite higher education's reputation for administrative bloat and fealty to left-wing values. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fealty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fealty
Noun
  • Samodelkina, who turns 19 on Wednesday, was born in Moscow and was fifth in the 2022 Russian Championships before switching her allegiance to her mother’s native Kazakhstan in May 2024.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Vienna public prosecutors said in a statement that the unnamed defendant had declared allegiance to the Islamic State group by sharing propaganda material and videos via various messaging services.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The emphasis this time around was on unity, loyalty and readiness, while keeping the most provocative systems off-camera.
    Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Chad Grunander’s loyalty to his daughter will affect his work or interfere with Robinson’s rights.
    Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Broadcasters can voluntarily choose to indicate their commitment to the campaign, according to the FCC.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Last year, a commitment to figuring out how to win each game’s evolving chess aided a run to 90 wins despite an offense that was painfully short of home run power.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Some have worked here for years, and their dedication shows.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Honors such as North America Attorney of the Year and inclusion among the Top 100 Attorneys highlight his legal skill and unwavering dedication.
    Will Jones, Sacbee.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Its name honors Elba, a former owner known for tending the garden with care and devotion.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on dessert devotion and beachfront buzz.
    , FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Beyond legal and legislative contexts, the physical infrastructure necessary to render high-fidelity content is causing a localized environmental crisis.
    Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The recent release of Emerald Fennell’s version of Emily Brontë’s 1847 classic has prompted a new wave of debates over literary fidelity, but the truth is that Wuthering Heights works no matter the context or the culture.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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