Definition of fidelitynext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fidelity distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fidelity are allegiance, devotion, fealty, loyalty, and piety. While all these words mean "faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty," fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

Where would allegiance be a reasonable alternative to fidelity?

The words allegiance and fidelity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

When would devotion be a good substitute for fidelity?

While the synonyms devotion and fidelity are close in meaning, devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

When can fealty be used instead of fidelity?

The meanings of fealty and fidelity largely overlap; however, fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

When might loyalty be a better fit than fidelity?

The words loyalty and fidelity can be used in similar contexts, but 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 could piety be used to replace fidelity?

The synonyms piety and fidelity 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 fidelity At our best, what sets our industry, and our country, apart is our fidelity to the rule of law, matched by our openness to change. Brent Lang, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026 The birds are highly loyal to their breeding sites, often returning to the same location year after year, a behavior known as site fidelity, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2026 These birds are highly loyal to their breeding sites, often returning to the same location year after year, a behavior known as site fidelity, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Apr. 2026 The birds are highly loyal to these sites, a behavior known as site fidelity, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fidelity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fidelity
Noun
  • But will that don maintain the family’s loyalty, or will they ultimately be overthrown?
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Maybe only 22 percent of Americans would readily accept Homelander as their one true God, but his vision might also appeal to those Christians whose fanatic prejudices outweigh any specific loyalty to the Bible and its lessons in compassion.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Our allegiance is not to any person or party, but to the reign of God, where truth matters, dignity is upheld, and power is held accountable.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Balat also wrote a statement declaring his allegiance to the Islamic State, Tisch said.
    Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called on Iran and the United States to keep their commitment to maintain a ceasefire, after both countries ended historic face-to-face talks without an agreement.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Kaylee and Summit's history is littered with commitment issues, break-ups, and make-ups, and those old wounds remain evident during the final bonfire.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Stockdale's discoveries and dedication resulted in the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA) awarding him the 2026 Berenice and Arthur Page Medal.
    Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
  • For me, being an artist is about hard work, dedication, and pushing yourself to create something that matters.
    Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Unlike the director Tyler Perry, whose devotion to telling Black stories inspired him to build a parallel version of Hollywood in Atlanta, Fuqua has always been intent on succeeding within Hollywood itself.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Numerous friends and family members, in interviews with the News, described Griffin as a peaceful man, known for his devotion to God as much as his spitfire lyrics.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fidelity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fidelity. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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