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 Instead of demanding personal fealty or humiliating them to assert personal dominance, Lincoln absorbed their egos and occasional slights, elevating their talents and turning his fiercest political adversaries into his most devoted champions. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 24 June 2026 His unwavering fealty to the president and destruction of institutional norms should disqualify him from leading the only agency with its foundation -- foundational virtue in its name. ABC News, 7 June 2026 Earlier Tuesday evening, Mellis had happily mugged for one news camera after another, expressing his fealty for Pratt. Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2026 The desire for party fealty is strong, but not as strong as the need to win in the general election. Kristin Kanthak, The Conversation, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fealty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fealty
Noun
  • Twin Temple was dropped from two dates on country singer Charley Crockett’s tour over their use of Satanic imagery and allegiance to Satanism.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 15 July 2026
  • But there is no doubt that switching allegiances can be far more than mercenary.
    Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • Set in and around the heart of bourbon country, the series mines explosive comedy from ideological collision and dysfunctional family loyalty.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 13 July 2026
  • The show has certainly savaged Democrats at times, but its progressive loyalties have only grown clearer over the years.
    Chris Smith, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • The unique vow arrangement saw both Swift and Kelce deliver 20-minute speeches celebrating their love and commitment to one another.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • What distinguishes the Upper Room is its commitment to community.
    Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • His work on the show was commemorated with a special dedication.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 11 July 2026
  • But the skillful way in which they are woven together belies the efforts that went into telling this story, and Lovely Reader, this dedication to quality fascinates me.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • To his supporters, Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the steadfast, fearless leader who transcended mere politics and inspired devotion.
    Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • What makes these behaviors especially dangerous is that they’re often disguised as concern or devotion.
    Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Every day, we are honored to tell America’s stories and hold that responsibility with the utmost regard, respect, and fidelity.
    Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026
  • The iMETRO Dynamic Simulation creates a high-fidelity digital twin of NASA Johnson Space Center’s iMETRO research facility, enabling researchers worldwide to develop, validate, and refine intravehicular robotic systems in a virtual environment.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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