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 Then there is one overriding factor in the current political climate — a GOP that pays fealty to a president with little support among residents in the state’s most populous counties. Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026 After falsely bending the knee to Daemon (Matt Smith), pretending to swear fealty to Rhaenyra, and handing over a decoy Daeron, Ormund decamped with his army to the unfortified market town of Tumbleton. Megan McCluskey, Time, 20 July 2026 Here, though, there is little reason to believe that a Senate vote will alter Trump’s demands for absolute fealty from the Justice Department. Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026 Part of what draws readers to particular genre books, whether on Amazon or at airport kiosks, is the fealty to hyper-specific tropes and reliable plot patterns, the predictable and satisfying arcs of its heroines and heroes. Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fealty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fealty
Noun
  • Players help grow their Clan, strengthen allegiances and embark on a personal journey that is unique on each playthrough.
    Mya Copeland, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026
  • If Ferran switches allegiances, the Blaugrana might have to rely on Lamine Yamal or Dani Olmo as a false 9.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Take Martha Stewart, who is often found wearing some variation of a jacket or shirt in rugged denim—and that loyalty tracks her entire career.
    Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
  • And his laziness has long outstripped his loyalty to the queen.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • As a press release concludes, the companies presented their partnership as the beginning of a long-term commitment, with other projects planned.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Many Farmers Union shareholders say the 25-year commitment to convey wastewater treated by the Eagle Sewer District will endanger their well-being.
    Noah Daly August 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Larter, who is known for her dedication to fitness, was seen in a black Alo sports bra with matching leggings during a workout session in a gym on the yacht.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • True loyalty, the article contends, lies in dedication to one's craft, continuous learning, and impact.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Physical restoration requires mechanical tools, but true customer devotion demands emotional sanctuary.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The store’s décor may consist of old rugs and retro light fixtures, but Tip Top’s luster comes from its devotion to customer service.
    New York Times, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Unlike its previous 2,000-bhp warp-speed Venom F5, Hennessey designed the Blackbird around raw tactile feedback and high-fidelity mechanical connections.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Everything has been brought up to a much higher level of fidelity.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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