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 One George reflects on another Bush in his essay on Washington reflected on the first president's willingness to cede power both as the Army's commander and as president, his loyalty to his country and his achievements, including avoiding war and stabilizing a burgeoning economy. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026 Early March could bring a fabulous idea for growth, but someone could default on loyalty in some area, so keep your eyes open. Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026 No Renaissance Pope could command such exclusive loyalty. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026 As her feelings become more intense, her kitchen becomes a battleground where love, loyalty, tradition collide. Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • Samodelkina, who turns 19 on Wednesday, was born in Moscow and was fifth in the 2022 Russian Championships before switching her allegiance to her mother’s native Kazakhstan in May 2024.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Vienna public prosecutors said in a statement that the unnamed defendant had declared allegiance to the Islamic State group by sharing propaganda material and videos via various messaging services.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Broadcasters can voluntarily choose to indicate their commitment to the campaign, according to the FCC.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Last year, a commitment to figuring out how to win each game’s evolving chess aided a run to 90 wins despite an offense that was painfully short of home run power.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Materials used across the footwear and bag collections were developed as part of the BioShoes4all project, which aims to reinforce APICCAPS’ dedication to innovation, research, and advanced material development.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 16 Feb. 2026
  • My commitment to public service is rooted in a lifelong dedication to advocacy and education.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In response to claims by the prominent late Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who claimed in court documents that Wexner was among men Epstein trafficked her to, Wexner testified to utter devotion to his wife of 33 years, Abigail.
    JULIE CARR SMYTH THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The Bible commands a lifestyle of worship and devotion that looks considerably like Lent.
    Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Beyond legal and legislative contexts, the physical infrastructure necessary to render high-fidelity content is causing a localized environmental crisis.
    Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The recent release of Emerald Fennell’s version of Emily Brontë’s 1847 classic has prompted a new wave of debates over literary fidelity, but the truth is that Wuthering Heights works no matter the context or the culture.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

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