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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for fealty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fealty
Noun
  • Players help grow their Clan, strengthen allegiances and embark on a personal journey that is unique on each playthrough.
    Mya Copeland, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026
  • If Ferran switches allegiances, the Blaugrana might have to rely on Lamine Yamal or Dani Olmo as a false 9.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • She was briefly considered to be a Taiwan People's Party legislator candidate, but had backed out owing to questions about her loyalty and affiliation with China.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Determined to prove his loyalty, he’s been flying around on Seasmoke raising an army to retake Tumbleton on Rhaenyra’s behalf.
    James Grebey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For someone who is dogmatic, or has a strong commitment to evangelism, this may not be satisfactory.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Cellular contracts remain a significant factor in purchasing decisions, with commitments typically made annually.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Her dedication to strengthening the local ecosystem through training initiatives and international collaborations is equally remarkable.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Developers also pointed to the dedication of a 60-acre park along the south side of the Boise River, named Margaret Aldape Park, after the matriarch of the Aldape family who had homesteaded the land for more than a century.
    Rose Evans August 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Jorge will be remembered for his quiet strength, kindness and unwavering devotion to his family.
    Avi Creditor, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Jorge will be remembered for his quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Unlike its previous 2,000-bhp warp-speed Venom F5, Hennessey designed the Blackbird around raw tactile feedback and high-fidelity mechanical connections.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Everything has been brought up to a much higher level of fidelity.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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