Definition of loyaltynext

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 The airline has traded emotional loyalty for revenue optimization. Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026 That’s the type of loyalty and patience that’s thought to be required in college football. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Jan. 2026 Southwest says the boarding groups are based on seat location, fare class, loyalty tier status and the airline’s credit card rewards benefits. Rio Yamat, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026 Data brokers legally collect personal information from public records, loyalty programs, apps and online purchases. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
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
Noun
  • The United States was founded as an experiment in propositional citizenship, the idea that a nation could be bound not by race, ethnicity, or language but by fidelity to a set of principles—liberty, equality, self-governance, and inalienable rights.
    Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The plot requires the tailor’s wife to introduce doubts in the fisherwoman’s mind about her affectionate man’s fidelity.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

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