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 Clearly not wanting to run afoul of what could very well be Hollywood’s biggest studio distributor, the chief executives of AMC and Regal Cinemas have pledged their future fealty to WarnerMount. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026 This blatant fealty over objectivity perverts the process by choosing personal loyalists instead of independent public servants. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026 This blatant expression of fealty over objectivity perverts the process by choosing personal loyalists instead of independent public servants. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 Rhaenyra’s men come later that night and demand Aegon and Tyland declare their fealty. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fealty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fealty
Noun
  • Former foes resurface to settle scores and fresh allegiances form, leaving him to act on his own to shield his family and bring things back under control.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026
  • All men recognize the right of revolution; that is, the right to refuse allegiance to, and to resist, the government, when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Donalds, a Republican congressman from Naples, had given MAGA and his dear leader complete and total loyalty, ignoring truth, facts and reality.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Atmos Rewards, the loyalty program for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, has no award ticket change or cancellation fees.
    — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Those fans deserve an organization that matches their commitment with the same level of excellence, urgency, and accountability.
    — Stephan Pechdimaldji, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Rutgers has received commitments from 4-star forward Brandon Woodard, 4-star guard RJ Moore and 3-star guard Korey Francis as part of its 2027 recruiting class.
    — Everett Merrill, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Mercer's dedication has also earned recognition from his colleagues.
    — Jamal Goss, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • His nicknames usually reflect his role as a catalyst—The Initiator, The Originator, The Godfather—yet less so his ingenuity and down-home dedication.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • And the Joe’s devotion to its customers won’t wane, Sawitz said, adding that the restaurant will never turn away anybody who shows up at the back door desperate for something to eat, a longtime unwritten rule.
    — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Some of Lakshmana’s actions complicate an idealized portrayal of his devotion.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Lockheed Martin is using high-fidelity simulations and digital engineering to accelerate development.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
  • For example, in August 2025, the China Manned Space Agency successfully tested a high-fidelity mock-up of its 26-ton Lanyue lunar lander.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 2 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 7 Nov. 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!

More from Merriam-Webster