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 For the majority of the squad, the next move carries significant personal stakes — balancing family, national loyalty and safety as conflict continues in their home country. Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026 The suit accuses Winters and the other defendants of taking advantage of her loyalty and integrity. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 10 Mar. 2026 Some, however, pledged loyalty to Gu and suggested that Liu's success was nothing for the Chinese people to get excited about. ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026 One retailer may have absorbed most of the cost to preserve customer loyalty. Sara Albrecht, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • The group reflects a place where boundaries, identities, and allegiances are always in flux.
    Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
  • At times the phrase is used to support the notion of America as a Christian nation or as one that owes its allegiance specifically to the Christian God.
    Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Honoring our commitments will be worth it.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Devoted fans will catch every clever nod, while newcomers can enjoy the romance, rivalry, and Regency ridiculousness without the multi-volume commitment.
    Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The developer bumped up its open space dedication at the site to 132 acres late last week.
    John Aguilar, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The marathon is often the culmination of years of mentorship and dedication.
    Michelle Edgar, Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The point is devotion, community and the quiet joy of being part of something small but enduring.
    Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Dear Everything offers an antidote — the voices of visionary youth, powerful storytelling, inspirational music, and a deep devotion that opens portals to other realms.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Though the shows have achieved varying levels qualitatively, perhaps their greatest collective merit has been their evident effort at fidelity to the source material.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
  • With the crisper fidelity of studio recording comes music that’s more direct and guitar-oriented.
    Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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