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 The demo is a slice of the The Silent Cartographer level, and as the Pelican ship swoops in over the sparkling waters of Alpha Halo to drop Master Chief off on a beach, the graphical fidelity is almost astounding. Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025 When institutions live these truths, public trust will follow, not as a gift, but as a recognition of moral fidelity. MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 Listening bars in Japan are places where people can sip whiskey, smoke cigarettes and listen to jazz records on a high-fidelity sound system. Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 Oct. 2025 Thank you for your demanding, lyrical, and sensual body of work, and for your fidelity to the light itself. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fidelity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fidelity
Noun
  • The strategy reflects McDonald's broader push to lean on nostalgia and popular partnerships to drive traffic and loyalty at a time when consumers are growing more cautious about spending, the outlet reported, citing a recent earnings call.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Guests are automatically enrolled in Intrepid Insiders, a loyalty program offering early access to sales and new itineraries.
    Josh Roberts, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Iwobi, nephew of former Nigeria international Jay-Jay Okocha, played for England at under-16 and under-17 levels before switching allegiance.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
  • And that ever-reliable Republican allegiance is looking much less ironclad.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Gophers added to its wide receiver room with the commitment of Cincinnati transfer Noah Jennings on Friday night.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Carrying Mandarin-style wooden ducks (won-ang seteu) down the aisle symbolizes the groom's commitment to his partner and represents virtues like fidelity, harmony, and family in Korean culture.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Still, Mamdani thanked first responders for their dedication to saving lives in both blazes.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Know of a longtime volunteer in Rancho Bernardo who stands out above the rest for dedication, leadership and service?
    Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Layla has long been one of the most familiar faces in SEC circles, known for her presence on the sidelines and devotion to her family.
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Religious devotion is difficult to capture on film.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fidelity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fidelity. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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