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 What also matters is who should rightfully adjudicate the decision with full fidelity. Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026 Devotion and fidelity may constrain imagination rather than inspiring it, and Stewart’s adaptation, for all its ingenuity and audacity, falls short of transformation. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2026 PNDbotics positions the two platforms as complementary systems, pairing high-fidelity data acquisition with agile humanoid execution to accelerate the development of humanoid robotics. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 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 See All Example Sentences for fidelity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fidelity
Noun
  • Kim Jee-woon’s A Bittersweet Life (2005) drew on the cool aesthetics of Jean-Pierre Melville’s gangster films while examining specifically Korean concepts of loyalty and social hierarchy.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Just like the zodiac, every Bridgerton character embodies a distinct persona, from bold passion and quiet devotion to intellectual chemistry and soul-level loyalty.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Business big and small have closed their doors Friday and even production on Grey’s Anatomy has closed down in allegiance.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
  • After a relatively quiet beginning to the year sitting alone in her tower, just honing her powers — and yes, dancing the night away at the Grammys and making her second Super Bowl appearance — Taylor Swift called upon us to pledge allegiance to her hands, her team and her vibes in 2025.
    Denise Warner, Billboard, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Similarly, the leadership of Colleen Burton, Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee, is noteworthy, as her work on SB 1480 reflects a strong commitment to preserving access to care in Florida’s most underserved communities.
    José Sosa-Palacios, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Ballot budgeting The second complicating factor in California’s budget process is the amount of money tied up in spending commitments over which policymakers have little discretion.
    Lanhee J. Chen, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Fortunately, Rushdie’s beloved wife, fellow writer and multidisciplinary artist Rachel Eliza Griffiths, was on hand with a fierce dedication and a new camera.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Harp said Keane’s dedication to her role was unmatched.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • That zeal, her daughter explains, also defined the way Ladd led her life away from the cameras — and fueled her devotion to Beyond the Scars.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Their sense of duty and devotion to the Crown never faltered, although Philip found his role frustrating, especially in the early years.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Fidelity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fidelity. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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!