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 team used fidelity as their measure of change, but there are other possible measures. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025 That dynamic fidelity is all the more impressive for being almost imperceptible. Book Marks august 29, Literary Hub, 29 Aug. 2025 The movement’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards has, over the decades, issued landmark rulings that attempt to balance fidelity to tradition with pastoral sensitivity, such as permitting counting women in prayer quorums and recognizing same-sex unions. Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025 The second trip was in 2000, when the society was still relatively small, as a gesture of fidelity to Rome despite then-standing excommunications against their bishops. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fidelity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fidelity
Noun
  • Unwavering loyalty Schrandt told ABC News that any deportations to Afghanistan are an unacceptable outcome.
    Chris Boccia, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Papers paired with flower or pre-rolls can drive incremental sales and encourage brand loyalty.
    Sara Payan, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Venezuela's top brass pledged allegiance to Maduro, but there is likely to be burgeoning concern in the military ranks about the impact of Western sanctions and embargos, weapons pipelines and maintenance issues, Solar said.
    Ellie Cook John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • While there’s no love triangle, The Long Walk treats its allegiances and enmities with a grandeur that rivals any romance, especially the connection between its hero, Ray Garraty (Cooper Hoffman), and his friend Peter McVries (David Jonsson).
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But this long-term commitment is a big move from both parties.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • In 2018, the Heat captured the NBA’s inaugural Inclusion Leadership Award for the franchise’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Because of his dedication to the center, Marshall became its namesake in 2023.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Yet, Aramayo’s sensitive portrayal of the man and Jones’ unflinching dedication to showing some of Davidson’s most painful moments, the ones that pushed him into action, add up to an insightful biopic that chronicles a very worthy subject.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Through countless binges and marathons, the NBC sitcom has built up a fan devotion that borders on religious.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 3 Sep. 2025
  • For the occasion, de Caunes revives one of his popular characters, a diehard redneck rock ’n’ roll fan whose taste for tall tales is matched only by his genuine devotion to music.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fidelity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fidelity. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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