Synonym Chooser

How is the word loyalty distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of loyalty are allegiance, devotion, fealty, fidelity, and piety. While all these words mean "faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty," 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 is allegiance a more appropriate choice than loyalty?

The meanings of allegiance and loyalty largely overlap; however, allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

When would devotion be a good substitute for loyalty?

The words devotion and loyalty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

When might fealty be a better fit than loyalty?

In some situations, the words fealty and loyalty are roughly equivalent. However, fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

In what contexts can fidelity take the place of loyalty?

The synonyms fidelity and loyalty are sometimes interchangeable, but fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

When can piety be used instead of loyalty?

The words piety and loyalty can be used in similar contexts, 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 loyalty Analysts pointed to strong foot traffic, customer loyalty and said Costco is well-positioned to handle tariff headwinds as U.S. trade policy continues to evolve. Brian Evans, CNBC, 31 May 2025 Republican candidates have emphasized issues such as border security, tax policy, and loyalty to President Donald Trump—topics that polls show resonate with many Republican voters. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025 Known for his introspective bars and fierce loyalty to his peers, the Carson, Calif. rapper used the moment to stand tall for his Black Hippy collaborator Kendrick Lamar—and to issue a personal threat to media personality DJ Akademiks. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 29 May 2025 At Burger King on May 28, Royal Perks loyalty program members can get a free hamburger with a purchase of $1 or more. Melina Khan, USA Today, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • With the streets of The Chi in turmoil, Reg’s comeback sets the stage for high-stakes drama and shifting allegiances.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 June 2025
  • Harvard’s dishonest expert on honesty is a poignant symbol of a far larger problem in academia: ideological allegiance replacing the quest for truth.
    Andrew Follett, National Review, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • In other words, educate yourself about how things work before making any real commitment to it.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
  • Following the first post-Memorial Day weekend for official visits, commitments flew in.
    Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • The scholarships are awarded to student caddies who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, dedication on the golf course and exemplary character.
    Jad El Reda, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
  • The guide is in line with the Space System Protection Standard, which summarizes NASA's continuous dedication to supporting the creation of exact cybersecurity standards for its space systems.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Though devotion plays an important role in how Muslims observe Eid al-Adha, there is also room to come together and have fun.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • This timepiece represents an unshakeable vision, fusing MR-G’s commitment to ultimate strength and beauty with the Zen devotion to contemplating one’s own nature and an integrated worldview of serenity.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Closer to home, Jeff’s billions can’t buy the fidelity of his girlfriend Hester (Hadley Robinson), who’s taken off for an orgy-adjacent gathering in Mexico.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 31 May 2025
  • Such recordings suffered from low fidelity and captured only a small segment of the audible sound spectrum.
    Richard Gunderman, The Conversation, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

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