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 Being asked to prove your loyalty? Usa Today, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025 Strategy and storytelling on a diet of ‘Dogfood’ When Gorin became CEO, her B2B business was growing well, but the consumer business was less healthy after a technology overhaul, changes to its loyalty programs, and a post-pandemic pullback from some international markets. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 7 Nov. 2025 There was no shopper or loyalty card required to get the deal. Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 6 Nov. 2025 Brisbanites are sports-obsessed, their loyalty split between the Broncos (rugby league), Reds (rugby union), and Lions (AFL). Alli Forde, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • The glittering gastro gem shines brightly with resourceful chefs embracing a diverse array of culinary traditions, often eschewing allegiance to strictly Southern cooking.
    Nevin Martell, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
  • After all the tariffs, boycotts, and bruised egos, both countries have been left to reckon with lasting economic scars and shifting allegiances.
    Dave Gordon, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • None of these commitments have been honored.
    Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The announcement includes a commitment from both companies to sell the starting dose of new oral GLP-1 drugs for about $150; the higher doses for Eli Lilly’s drug will be capped at $399.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Like these icons, his dedication to discreet luxury and signature precise craftsmanship deeply influenced his approach to design.
    Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Show dedication and determination!
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 2 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Mamdani’s focus on dignity, inclusion and equity captured the devotion of a plurality of Latino voters in New York.
    Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • His music mixes reggaetón beats with the sounds of Puerto Rican history and everyday life, where devotion and defiance often live side by side.
    Ken Chitwood, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • By replicating the visual fidelity of reality, retina E-paper brings science closer to creating virtual worlds that the human eye cannot distinguish from the real one.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The demo is a slice of the The Silent Cartographer level, and as the Pelican ship swoops in over the sparkling waters of Alpha Halo to drop Master Chief off on a beach, the graphical fidelity is almost astounding.
    Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

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