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 These powerful figures seek to hollow out the federal government, discredit its workforce, and replace a democratic administrative state with a machinery of personal loyalty, abuse, and private enrichment. Alissa Tafti, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 In a normal season of Love Island, Casa Amor is meant to test the Islanders’s loyalty to their connections in the main villa. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 25 June 2025 At the time, the regime had emerged from the Iran-Iraq war with revolutionary fervor intact, and Khamenei was elevated largely due to elite consensus and political loyalty, not religious stature. Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025 While Massie won’t face a reelection contest until 2026, Trump has already unveiled a plan to challenge him and further enforce loyalty within the GOP ranks. Chad De Guzman, Time, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • Police shot and killed Mateen, who had pledged allegiance to an Islamic State militant group.
    Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2025
  • Gray takes a rather more conventional approach here to the genre tropes in Lee Zachariah’s sturdy screenplay, but provides more than enough rapid-fire shootouts, impressive stunt choreography, shifting allegiances and moderately clever plot twists to keep things interesting.
    Joe Leydon, Variety, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • And the software vendor demonstrated a commitment to innovate.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The partnership was formed through equal equity commitments from WMG and Bain Capital.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The exchange best exemplified the unwavering dedication Armani has for his job.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 June 2025
  • Throughout her time away, it has been reported that James has impressed many within WWE with her strong work ethic and dedication to her recovery.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • To be fair, fellow-Sikhs also infer devotion and discipline, although these are neither the only readings nor the most common.
    Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
  • Each viewing reveals a deeper understanding and devotion to Lamb and his motley crew.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Anyone with even a basic understanding of the movie industry of the 1930s, let alone a Hollywood mogul, would know the difficulty of adapting it to the screen with any semblance of fidelity.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
  • Unlike other sharks that roam vast distances, great hammerheads display strong site fidelity to certain coastal habitats, particularly during juvenile stages.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

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