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 Lilies symbolize promise, passion, life and fidelity. Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2026 Officials learn that survival depends less on competence than on fidelity. Alejandro Reyes, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026 The United States was founded as an experiment in propositional citizenship, the idea that a nation could be bound not by race, ethnicity, or language but by fidelity to a set of principles—liberty, equality, self-governance, and inalienable rights. Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026 The plot requires the tailor’s wife to introduce doubts in the fisherwoman’s mind about her affectionate man’s fidelity. Peter Debruge, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fidelity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fidelity
Noun
  • Jacob has also earned industry plaudits for using data from his Scene loyalty program to help target the right theaters and showtimes with international movie titles to reach diverse and multicultural audiences across Canada.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
  • And companies that want to retain the loyalty of their best customers may need to get more creative than relying on credit-card spending to boost their coffers.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Samodelkina, who turns 19 on Wednesday, was born in Moscow and was fifth in the 2022 Russian Championships before switching her allegiance to her mother’s native Kazakhstan in May 2024.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Vienna public prosecutors said in a statement that the unnamed defendant had declared allegiance to the Islamic State group by sharing propaganda material and videos via various messaging services.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Broadcasters can voluntarily choose to indicate their commitment to the campaign, according to the FCC.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Last year, a commitment to figuring out how to win each game’s evolving chess aided a run to 90 wins despite an offense that was painfully short of home run power.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Materials used across the footwear and bag collections were developed as part of the BioShoes4all project, which aims to reinforce APICCAPS’ dedication to innovation, research, and advanced material development.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 16 Feb. 2026
  • My commitment to public service is rooted in a lifelong dedication to advocacy and education.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In response to claims by the prominent late Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who claimed in court documents that Wexner was among men Epstein trafficked her to, Wexner testified to utter devotion to his wife of 33 years, Abigail.
    JULIE CARR SMYTH THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The Bible commands a lifestyle of worship and devotion that looks considerably like Lent.
    Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fidelity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fidelity. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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