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 Aegon, reeling from his brother’s betrayal and, likely, the early stages of opiate withdrawal, refuses to pledge (pretend) fealty to the Blacks and so Larys reveals Aegon’s identity. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 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
  • Inspired, perhaps, by Haaland’s incredible performance to switch allegiances.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Drivers pledged their allegiance to Trump with decals and bumper stickers.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • The combined airline will eventually operate under the Allegiant brand, with changes to booking, loyalty and the travel experience still ahead.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • Out of loyalty to her father, Rhaenyra refuses, eventually deciding to send him north to the Wall.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 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
  • Bishop Lawrence Sullivan invited the roughly 100 worshippers at the memorial’s dedication service to rise and pray.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • The Cubs are honoring his unwavering dedication by permanently affixing his name to his Section 18 seats.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 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
  • Yet its fidelity to the truth of each idiosyncratic character makes the show’s whiplash narrative feel believable.
    Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026
  • Otherwise, Kail sticks closely to the template established for him, recreating every scene and sequence from the first movie with ruthless fidelity and adding essentially no departures of any significance.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fealty

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!