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 Specialty retailers must lean into what sets them apart—knowing their customers, delivering thoughtful, personal experiences across every channel, and turning first visits into lasting loyalty. Andrew Stern, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 But what really interested us with this movie was trying to understand the humanity and searching for and exploring the love and the loyalty to characters to have a dialogue with an audience and not do it for the sake of ego or shock. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026 There was our American citizenship—India, thanks to a post-colonial suspicion of divided loyalties, does not allow dual citizenship—but also the matter of our parents. Karan Mahajan, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2026 Billionaire investor Bill Ackman, however, still believes earning employee loyalty is worth every penny. Preston Fore, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • Players help grow their Clan, strengthen allegiances and embark on a personal journey that is unique on each playthrough.
    Mya Copeland, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026
  • If Ferran switches allegiances, the Blaugrana might have to rely on Lamine Yamal or Dani Olmo as a false 9.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For someone who is dogmatic, or has a strong commitment to evangelism, this may not be satisfactory.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Cellular contracts remain a significant factor in purchasing decisions, with commitments typically made annually.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Her dedication to strengthening the local ecosystem through training initiatives and international collaborations is equally remarkable.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Developers also pointed to the dedication of a 60-acre park along the south side of the Boise River, named Margaret Aldape Park, after the matriarch of the Aldape family who had homesteaded the land for more than a century.
    Rose Evans August 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Jorge will be remembered for his quiet strength, kindness and unwavering devotion to his family.
    Avi Creditor, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Jorge will be remembered for his quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Unlike its previous 2,000-bhp warp-speed Venom F5, Hennessey designed the Blackbird around raw tactile feedback and high-fidelity mechanical connections.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Everything has been brought up to a much higher level of fidelity.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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