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 While bonded by heartbreak, their greatest trials come from within their own circle, forcing them to confront loyalty and sisterhood in unexpected ways. Okla Jones, Essence, 5 May 2025 Other major shifts include a new visual identity, simplification of its loyalty program (which remains under the Global Hotel Alliance) and unifying the properties and program functions through a mobile app. Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Unfortunately, Seong-je knows no loyalty, and agrees to beat up Si-eun for Baek-jin on the morning of the fight. Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Apr. 2025 Also, members of the Pretzel Rewards loyalty program earn double points on any purchase on April 26. Mike Snider, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • Some of the city’s elites shifted allegiance to a Ukraine divorced from Russia – a trend Dr. Honcharuk says accelerated with the 2022 invasion.
    Howard LaFranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Votes, many acknowledge, are often driven by professional allegiance.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The ability to influence others and follow through on commitments becomes more essential in the modern world.
    William Jones, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • Amazon’s commitment to theatrical, alongside the emergence of smaller studios like Neon and A24, should help to close the gap left by 20th Century Fox’s acquisition.
    Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Initially introduced in the 1980s in service of building a superior urban running shoe, the color continues to embody New Balance’s staunch dedication to craft, quality, and fearless independence, in every field.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 3 May 2025
  • This type of long-term thinking and governmental dedication is the type of action that sets up Estonia for decades of success.
    Mark Minevich, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Waiting for a new record, without knowing if anything is coming at all, seems to have become a primary act of their devotion.
    Sophie Williams, Billboard, 1 May 2025
  • Known for his Marian devotion—which encourages piety and seeks the intercession of the Virgin Mary—and strict doctrinal stances, he is viewed as a potential challenger to Parolin, especially in early voting rounds and has odds of 7/1.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The movement is impressively responsive and snappy, and the designs, though dated compared with modern graphical fidelity, look great thanks to the art style and flashy effects.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Churchill emphasized that while the decision may disappoint some supporters, it was made in the interest of long-term sustainability and mission fidelity.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

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