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 Theirs is an unusual story of loyalty and dedication to their school and to their East Side roots. — Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Twice in the course of the story, Leo has to choose between the laws of the country and the bonds of familial loyalty. — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026 In each case, deep consumer-brand experience—understanding how a national retailer or a hospitality company thinks about customer experience, loyalty and service delivery—outweighed the necessity of a banking background. — Paul Davis, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Product quality, reliability and consistency help create the loyalty that marketing alone cannot buy. — Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • The longstanding allegiances between global powers have been tested over the past few years.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Those would stop for creators who shift their allegiances to other platforms.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The analyst believes that Marvell's supply chain commitments give it a competitive edge over rivals as customers seek reliable partners for large-scale infrastructure buildouts.
    — TipRanks.com staff, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Bailey emphasized to us his commitment to improving the state’s schools.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Prepare to get a first glimpse of the dedication, the sweat, the pain, the tears – and much more.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Theirs is an unusual story of loyalty and dedication to their school and to their East Side roots.
    — Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Beehive State topped the ranking with its devotion to the Japanese card game.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • There is something about this ethic that a critic should inhabit, as well—a craft of devotion rather than exhibition.
    — Lola Seaton, The New York Review of Books, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The lack of a higher-fidelity codec may share some of the blame for the cymbals' lack of sparkle.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The company also uses a digital thread of the helicopter’s operational flight program to develop high-fidelity simulations in days rather than years, allowing training systems to keep pace with aircraft modernization.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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