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 Returns are a high-stakes, high-volume business challenge directly tied to profitability, loyalty and brand integrity. Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025 Luffa embodies this vision perfectly, bridging technology and loyalty into one seamless experience. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025 Finally, leaders need to separate loyalty from flattery. Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025 Professor Lucas Walsh, a youth expert at Monash University, told Newsweek that baby boomers' memories of the Cold War may help explain their stronger sympathy for Ukraine, while Gen Z's political loyalties are more fragmented. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
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
Noun
  • My own experience has taught me that fidelity, forgiveness, and faithfulness within families yield deep, enduring peace.
    Russell M. Nelson, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
  • To write one’s way out of the incapacitating dependence of daughterhood into autonomy means shedding the unquestioning fidelity of a child.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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