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’s men come later that night and demand Aegon and Tyland declare their fealty. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for fealty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fealty
Noun
  • The Argentine soccer star had not played at Subaru Park since 2023, and for many fans, the chance to see one of the sport's biggest names in person was worth temporarily setting aside their allegiance to the Philadelphia Union.
    Eva Andersen, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Investigators uncovered audio files of Bowie pledging her allegiance to ISIS, which the FBI identified from a reference to the current leader of the terrorist group.
    Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • As loyalty moves from a retention tactic to a growth engine, the redemption experience deserves the same design and measurement rigor CMOs already apply to the acquisition funnel.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The result is a style that moves effortlessly from morning to night, through work and any commitments after.
    Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The incident was due to an engineering failure aboard the warship, the US 7th Fleet said in a statement to CNN, another setback as concerns mount over the heavy strain on the US Navy due to the Iran war and global commitments.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Kids frolicked in the new Nikki Spoelstra Play Forest, one of the segment’s highlights, while a band played and vendors hawked food by South Miami City Hall as advocates and officials spoke at the dedication.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Julius Murga has deep roots in Wrigleyville, but his dedication to Sports World Chicago is rivaled only by Ganal.
    Noel Brennan, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Other rules stem from Xi’s signature anti-corruption campaign and demand for absolute devotion to the ruling Communist Party.
    Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • After a few weeks, Nikki’s acts of devotion escalate, including cooking his cat in a disturbing attempt to support his dream of becoming a food critic.
    Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Would the fidelity of those demos be good enough to green-light an actual human moon landing on the Artemis IV mission?
    Leonard David, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The monitor also has HP Eye Ease, which keeps your eyes from straining while not compromising on visual fidelity.
    George Yang, PC Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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