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 However, Mills is likely to be eliminated early under Maine's ranked-choice voting despite her voters' loyalty. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 June 2026 But my loyalty to this country is not merely biographical. Yoni Appelbaum, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026 Mirabal knew Bell’s loyalty was delaying the obvious. Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 8 June 2026 Most are New Yorkers who've traded coasts but not their loyalty. Aziza Shuler, CBS News, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • Even allegiance to the nation might be a problem.
    Michael Kazin, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026
  • Generations of multiculturalism meant immigrants came to the country and brought allegiances to their place of birth with them.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • In Cawker City, population 465, the twine ball is a symbol of community—a collective commitment to the bit.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • Arlington Lamar standout three-star class of 2027 linebacker Braylon Williams announced his commitment to SMU Saturday.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Gang says the plaque's dedication, though a tough reminder, makes this celebration even more special.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 8 June 2026
  • The leaders who eat at their desks aren’t modeling dedication.
    William Jones June 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • The church service, part of the bishops’ spring assembly meeting in Orlando, Florida, draws from a mainstream, centuries-old Catholic devotion that focuses on Jesus’ sacrificial love for humanity.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 June 2026
  • Lund said this came from Skarsgård being so heavily involved and stressed it is driven by his passion and devotion to the character and iconic source material.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • In the 2010 study by Watson and Strayer published in Psychonomic Bulletin and Review, 200 participants were tested in a high-fidelity driving simulator while performing simultaneous cognitive tasks.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026
  • University of Utah researchers Jason Watson and David Strayer put 200 people in a high-fidelity driving simulator and asked them to perform a second demanding cognitive task simultaneously.
    Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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