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 Rhaenyra also sends Daemon to the Eyrie to demand fealty and gold (or the promise of gold) from Lady Arryn, putting him in close proximity to his daughter, Rhaena and her dragon, Sheepstealer. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026 Is that kind of fealty that the framers of the Constitution had in mind? Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 30 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for fealty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fealty
Noun
  • Skubal was torn between his allegiance to his country and his commitment to his Tigers team.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Because this Odysseus can never really lose our allegiance and interest.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Archie and his friends fight to stay alive, testing their friendships, romances and loyalties.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2026
  • Babcock’s devotion to Komarov was similar to that of Oilers coach Craig MacTavish and his remarkable loyalty to centre Marty Reasoner 20 years ago.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • Supporters are set to get their first glimpse of French defender Jeremy Jacquet after his arrival from Rennes, but fellow new signing Victor Munoz won’t be involved following his World Cup commitments with Spain.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • The support included major funding commitments totaling billions of dollars for 2026 and 2027, and official acknowledgment of Ukraine’s transition from aid beneficiary to transatlantic security contributor.
    Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • The charitable initiative underscored Venezuela's deep baseball roots and players' dedication to their homeland.
    Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Szczur was introduced at the Champions Gate dedication ceremony as a pitcher, not an outfielder.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • At the core of what Earth linguistics is to me, is just a devotion to learning more than human language and integrating that into my own language as a way of expanding my conception of the world.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026
  • In a broadly sweet, vivacious and gorgeously sung set Tuesday, that sentiment revealed the moral clarity that bolsters her songs about devotion and intimacy.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Woojer’s Vest 4 is charged by high-fidelity haptics to make every beat pulse through your body.
    Sofia Goldstein, SPIN, 17 July 2026
  • Belvedere curator Stephanie Auer collaborated to ensure artistic fidelity.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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