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 Others are hesitant to declare fealty. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2025 But most of the stakeholders in the TikTok investment group are business leaders who have shown sustained loyalty to the president, which makes the deal look like a reward for fealty, Tofel says. Bobby Allyn, NPR, 26 Sep. 2025 Then Colum joins him on the ground, promising Dougal his fealty in times of war. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 15 Aug. 2025 The whole of clan MacKenzie descends upon Castle Leoch to pay their respects and also attend the Gathering, in which there are games and feasts and boar hunts and, most important, the oath-taking, in which the new laird will be chosen and everyone will pledge their fealty to him. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fealty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fealty
Noun
  • The glittering gastro gem shines brightly with resourceful chefs embracing a diverse array of culinary traditions, often eschewing allegiance to strictly Southern cooking.
    Nevin Martell, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
  • After all the tariffs, boycotts, and bruised egos, both countries have been left to reckon with lasting economic scars and shifting allegiances.
    Dave Gordon, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • And if that can happen to retail giants with decades of consumer goodwill, imagine the stakes for entertainment and cultural brands — where loyalty is fleeting, audiences are global and competition is relentless.
    Kimberly S. Reed, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Themes of love, loyalty and trust could also be tested under the weight of change.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • None of these commitments have been honored.
    Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The announcement includes a commitment from both companies to sell the starting dose of new oral GLP-1 drugs for about $150; the higher doses for Eli Lilly’s drug will be capped at $399.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Rooted in intention, connection, and a dedication to celebrating Black excellence in tech and beyond, Creator Unplugged is solidifying its place as one of Microsoft’s marquee events beyond the main AfroTech stage.
    Essence, Essence, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Crafted with recycled materials, the collection is entirely vegan, furthering Rombaut’s dedication to using earth-friendly components.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Mamdani’s focus on dignity, inclusion and equity captured the devotion of a plurality of Latino voters in New York.
    Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • His music mixes reggaetón beats with the sounds of Puerto Rican history and everyday life, where devotion and defiance often live side by side.
    Ken Chitwood, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Quantinuum has introduced Helios, its most advanced quantum computer yet, setting new records in performance, fidelity, and scalability.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Solomon said one such initiative focuses on the fidelity—often called achievability and visualization by designers—of color transfer onto different materials.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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