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 But in Southern states, especially, party loyalty dovetails considerably with race and ethnicity. Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026 Let yourself be seen without turning everything into a test of loyalty, strength or survival. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026 If execution continues, Booking can deepen customer loyalty and expand wallet share over time. Tony Zhang, CNBC, 17 June 2026 Data brokers pull from voter registration records, property tax filings, court documents, old marketing survey responses, loyalty program memberships, phone directories and from each other. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • The kingdom and its press and thus the world could see the war hero and his monarch inextricably bound by allegiance to Britain.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Many with mixed backgrounds switched allegiances when turning senior, following their heart – or their ambition.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • This outcome reflects our commitment to protecting our community and ensuring that those who commit such heinous acts face severe consequences.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • What impressed us most was their commitment to the bit.
    Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Their dedication did not just solve a cold case.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • This is not even considering the dedication of vast expanses of farmland to solar farms.
    Louise Schiavone, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • The butterflies’ devotion to this special longevity diet pays off.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026
  • His devotion to the team has earned him such distinction that in 2024, the NBA announced he would be recognized alongside Billy Crystal, Alan Horwitz and Jack Nicholson as a SuperFan in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
    Mason Leib, ABC News, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • In the case of Oz, a team of producers and AI specialists produced an entirely new version of the 1939 classic, tailoring it to the unique dimensions and fidelity of Sphere.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 16 June 2026
  • The fidelity to the band’s history makes the music feel stagnant.
    Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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