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 That time will be needed to collect tens of thousands of hours of expert demonstration data, create high-fidelity simulations, and conduct real-world testing. Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Aug. 2026 Would the fidelity of those demos be good enough to green-light an actual human moon landing on the Artemis IV mission? Leonard David, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2026 The monitor also has HP Eye Ease, which keeps your eyes from straining while not compromising on visual fidelity. George Yang, PC Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026 In order for a brain scan of the proper fidelity to be produced, the dogs must spend a minimum of six minutes in the machine, moving less than three millimeters in any direction. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fidelity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fidelity
Noun
  • All of which can help retain customer loyalty long after the holiday shopping season ends.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Notable Mounds of garbage, potholed roads and sewage spills have pushed some voters to abandon their loyalty to the ANC, writes journalist Evaton West for AFP.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Argentine soccer star had not played at Subaru Park since 2023, and for many fans, the chance to see one of the sport's biggest names in person was worth temporarily setting aside their allegiance to the Philadelphia Union.
    Eva Andersen, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Investigators uncovered audio files of Bowie pledging her allegiance to ISIS, which the FBI identified from a reference to the current leader of the terrorist group.
    Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Rezaei, who is an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamanei, said Iran will not yield to US pressure, adding the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington meets its commitments.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Despite being widely seen as a potential challenger to Infantino, the 58-year-old Ceferin expressed his commitment to UEFA.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Frederick Douglass tells his life story in this work, from the years he was enslaved in the pre-Civil War South to his escape, his freedom, his work, and his dedication to the abolitionist movement.
    Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The book examines how dedication to good governance rather than personal agenda has resulted in cooperation across party lines.
    Monitor reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This is one of the BEST ways to recreate the communal devotion that the Premier League inspires.
    Matt Piper, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • His devotion changed when his father, Henry, introduced him to parlay cards – the pencil and paper betting sheets where picking multiple winners meant a nice little payout.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fidelity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fidelity. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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