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 The ShiftCam ProMic shotgun mic is described as high-sensitivity, high-fidelity. Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025 The graphical fidelity is impressive, and the animations are superb, especially on the characters' faces. Echo Apsey, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Under traditional contracts, as few as 5% of edtech licenses are used with fidelity. Raymond Pierce, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Mozart’s comedy about the perils of attraction, fidelity and compatibility opens Opera San José’s 42nd season. Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fidelity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fidelity
Noun
  • Throughout the song’s undulating, fluid melodies, Kali and Mariah trade verses about the importance of loyalty in love, all while maintaining their own otherworldly vocals in the process.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Trump claimed Comey mishandled a 2016 probe into Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s private email server, but Comey also refused to pledge loyalty to the president.
    Douglas M. Charles, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Fans have allegiance to those players—more than to teams, more than to the league.
    Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • However, a 5-0 loss against the Canadiens won’t lead to many fans changing allegiances.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • These sailings are ideal for first-time cruisers to sample the experience without a long commitment.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • For all the government’s rhetoric and commitment to a decades-old revolution, Cubans see a much-vaunted medical system that is failing, unable to provide drugs, procedures — or even electricity.
    Joseph J. Gonzalez, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Stacey’s dogged dedication to existing in her truth is clearly going to grate further and further on the women as the season proceeds.
    Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Palestinians continue their dedication to education in this harsh war.
    Ikram Talaat Ahmed, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Amorim may turn the rising tide; a Premier League wins list which only includes six of the current top-flight teams may quickly expand; a playing system currently receiving devotion without much sign of deserving it may soon bear fruit.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • She was asked to write about her devotion to Jesus, and her works were published after her death.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fidelity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fidelity. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fidelity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!