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 Part of what draws readers to particular genre books, whether on Amazon or at airport kiosks, is the fealty to hyper-specific tropes and reliable plot patterns, the predictable and satisfying arcs of its heroines and heroes. Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 8 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for fealty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fealty
Noun
  • The Islamic State group acknowledged the ISSP's allegiance in 2022.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Often, the allegiances in question seemed to be drawn along lines of race.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Torrid's Chief Commercial Officer, Ashlee Wheeler, highlights the casting call's success in both acquiring new customers and fostering community, emphasizing that genuine representation drives loyalty and commercial growth.
    Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Queenstown hails from creator, writer and executive producer Chloe Stearns, In the series, beneath the glamour of Queenstown’s luxury ski scene, a privileged family and the people who work for them collide over power, loyalty and desire.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • Name the conflict plainly, offer realistic timing, and protect the commitment that matters most today.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
  • The certification recognizes Community Hospital’s commitment to delivering advanced, life-saving care for patients experiencing the most severe and complex types of stroke, according to its website.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • Nolan foregrounds the nobility that guides the character (his guilt, his dedication to his men, his yearning for his family) and neglects his wily cunning and egotism.
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • Passion, determination and dedication to the club and his cause are non-negotiables.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • But Cricket resists this vision, preferring a more solitary idea of artistic devotion, and the story’s sympathies lean in his direction.
    Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026
  • But The Odyssey is the first time his devotion to the literal Real has been wielded so effectively.
    Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • This is one of the practice strategies READ teachers oversee, to ensure it is being implemented with fidelity and to encourage the teen leader and reader pairs on their learning journey together.
    Read Alliance, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Sanderson believes that the capture’s quality and fidelity also fueled some of the film’s word of mouth and will continue to do so for as long as theaters are willing to keep it.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 27 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 31 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!

More from Merriam-Webster