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 Her arrival stirs enough secrets, crushes, and shifting loyalties to fill an eight-episode TV show. Rhoda Feng, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 Once again, the past intrudes, loyalty is divided, and irreverent one-liners are delivered. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 But the measure said offering a discount to a customer who enrolls in a loyalty, membership or rewards program would continue to be allowed. Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026 Or maybe Access becomes part of a premium loyalty program for the partner’s elite customers who are demographically attractive but aren’t yet Hohenbruck owners. Harvard Business Review, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • According to them, Trump’s policies on tariffs, aid, and allies have eroded the United States’ standing, opening the door for people across the world to switch their allegiance to China.
    Adam Y. Liu, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Before Haakon's pledge of allegiance, the palace said that Mette-Marit wasn't going to the ceremony.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The collaboration reflects both companies’ commitment to developing sovereign defence capabilities in India through technology transfer, local value creation and skill development.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Even those inside Newcastle United were questioning the commitment and focus of some of their star players last season, when a staggering 27 points were dropped from winning positions.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • For all his disparate pursuits, Elsesser revels in the small details, incapable of giving anything less than total dedication.
    Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Before dismissing the jury, Sullivan thanked them for their dedication throughout the nearly six-week trial.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The British media devoured the story, as even then Day-Lewis was synonymous with intense devotion to his craft.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
  • As Anna covers for Fyodor’s addiction and increasingly unstable professional behavior, her devotion starts to look poisonous for them both.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Labor Day Headphones Deals Apple’s AirPods Max 2 deliver an exceptional combination of high-fidelity acoustics and pro-grade active noise cancellation.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The technology has evolved so much in terms of the visual fidelity, filmmaker control, the ability to generate audio, and the length of a film that is possible.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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