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 Shifting loyalties of even a few Republican lawmakers could dramatically complicate the ability for either chamber to pass substantial legislation ahead of the November midterm elections. Steven Sloan, Fortune, 20 May 2026 Perhaps no one realized it at the time, but the first of Bobby Cox’s MLB-record 162 ejections told Atlanta just how deep his loyalty to the Braves franchise would run. Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 20 May 2026 Your approach builds customer loyalty. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 The looks, the deeds, the loyalty and even the anger. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • Joining the military includes an oath, a binding pledge to defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic and maintain allegiance to the country.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2026
  • Senegal’s president can now rebuild his government in his image, appointing ministers who pledge allegiance solely to him.
    Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • Recruited for his military expertise and commitment to freedom, Pulaski eventually took command of the Pulaski Legion, a cavalry unit composed of American and foreign recruits.
    Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 23 May 2026
  • Opening the ceremony, Knobloch framed the evening as part of the festival’s commitment to support emerging filmmakers and giving more space to women’s perspectives onscreen.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • The community branch of sustainability is equally visible in the number of on-island partnerships with local businesses and the dedication to sourcing as much as possible from nearby farms and purveyors.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
  • In addition, Rancho Santa Fe residents Susan and Bill Hoehn received the Peggy Matthews Legacy Award at the event for their decades of service and dedication to the mission of The Salvation Army and many other organizations, the news release stated.
    Rancho Santa Fe Review, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • In her tribute to her father, Hawaa painted a picture of devotion, openness, self-improvement and selflessness.
    Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026
  • The film’s climax — a long, unbroken scene in which Norman falls apart after the actor’s death, finally undone by years of devotion that went unthanked — was shot in a single take at director Peter Yates’s insistence.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • The city has emerged as a world leader in sober clubbing, with the Sober Sensations movement hosting high-energy parties in iconic venues built around high-fidelity sound and immersive light installations.
    Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
  • Yet its fidelity to the truth of each idiosyncratic character makes the show’s whiplash narrative feel believable.
    Judy Berman, Time, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 26 May. 2026.

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