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 How to think about thinking about cabbage Trends demand both fealty and novelty. Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 17 Feb. 2026 Roy has countered by stressing his conservative record and independence, saying the job is about enforcing the law and defending Texas – not personal fealty. Philip Jankowski, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026 The post has sparked a bipartisan backlash and will be sure to test the limits of Republican fealty to Trump, which, amid the chaos of his second term, has been a constant. Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026 The movie’s fealty to the source material, as called into question by many since the very casting of these two leads, is ultimately irrelevant. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fealty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fealty
Noun
  • Among the latter’s clique is secretly nerdy blonde Lizzie (Lulu Wilson), who used to hang out with Jack and Montgomery, before proving pretty and canny enough to switch allegiances.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
  • His absence has done little to dampen the fervor of those faithful to the regime, thousands of whom have taken to the streets to pledge their allegiance.
    Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • DeSantis seems to have turned judicial appointments in Florida into his personal loyalty system.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Few skin-care brands have earned as much loyalty from editors and dermatologists as SkinCeuticals.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The occasion Saturday afternoon was a commitment announcement bash for Dons star running back/defensive back Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, broadcast live by the streaming service CBS Sports HQ.
    Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
  • But the fact that employees still showed up, including without pay during last year’s federal government shutdown, demonstrates their commitment to keeping the beloved parks flourishing.
    Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • With a team of 17, Momosé said receiving the award is a testament to her staff’s dedication to connecting with guests and going above and beyond, a commitment rooted in the Japanese concept of omotenashi.
    Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Elliot approaches his craft with discipline and dedication, consistently pushing himself to explore new techniques, mediums, and ideas.
    Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The point is devotion, community and the quiet joy of being part of something small but enduring.
    Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Dear Everything offers an antidote — the voices of visionary youth, powerful storytelling, inspirational music, and a deep devotion that opens portals to other realms.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Though the shows have achieved varying levels qualitatively, perhaps their greatest collective merit has been their evident effort at fidelity to the source material.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
  • With the crisper fidelity of studio recording comes music that’s more direct and guitar-oriented.
    Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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