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 And according to showrunner Brad Caleb Kane, there are reasons beyond franchise fidelity for setting the show in the ’70s. — Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 The show uses large screens and high-fidelity audio to explore the artist’s life and career. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026 Lay disciples typically uphold the vow of brahmacharya by maintaining fidelity toward their spouse. — Bhakti Mamtora, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026 The company relies on high-fidelity training simulators that replicate an infinite number of outcomes, such as system failures and peak-load scenarios, offline. — Miroslav Katsarov, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fidelity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fidelity
Noun
  • Donalds, a Republican congressman from Naples, had given MAGA and his dear leader complete and total loyalty, ignoring truth, facts and reality.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Atmos Rewards, the loyalty program for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, has no award ticket change or cancellation fees.
    — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Former foes resurface to settle scores and fresh allegiances form, leaving him to act on his own to shield his family and bring things back under control.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026
  • All men recognize the right of revolution; that is, the right to refuse allegiance to, and to resist, the government, when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Researchers must again be able to plan work that takes years with reasonable confidence that commitments will be honored.
    — Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Zelenskyy has repeatedly insisted any security commitments should be clearly spelled out, including who would act, and how, if Russia attacked again.
    — Willem Marx, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Mercer's dedication has also earned recognition from his colleagues.
    — Jamal Goss, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • His nicknames usually reflect his role as a catalyst—The Initiator, The Originator, The Godfather—yet less so his ingenuity and down-home dedication.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Tesla’s Cybertruck, the hulking, stainless-steel pickup that inspired devotion and derision with its science-fiction looks, will cease production next year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The song conveys the perspective of someone wading into deep waters of enduring devotion, and longing to be the one someone leans on through the highs and lows.
    — Katie Bain, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fidelity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fidelity. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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