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 Still, reliability carried the greatest weight at 30% of the score, while loyalty programs accounted for 25%. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 3 June 2026 With the ballot almost set, some Republicans remain divided over whether to support Paxton, torn between loyalty to their party and ongoing controversies about him. Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 3 June 2026 In addition to features like perks, loyalty points-sharing and members-only events, members who join can shop for a limited quantity of the Club in a Box prize inspired by Higgins for 94 cents starting Monday, June 1. Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 In a season defined by loyalty, betrayal, and survival, everyone faces personal obstacles — but not everyone will make it through. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • Hudson Williams, the Canadian sweetheart behind the smash hit Heated Rivalry, has pledged his allegiance to the English department.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • Aliji previously pleaded guilty on April 28, admitting to the charges after prosecutors accused him of pledging allegiance to the Islamic State and planning an assault targeting fans gathered outside Ernst Happel Stadium during Swift’s August 2024 concerts.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • The commitment, which SoftBank called its biggest AI infrastructure investments in Europe, reflect personal diplomacy between Emmanuel Macron and SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son, who met during the French president’s visit to Japan this year.
    Benoit Berthelot, Fortune, 30 May 2026
  • That conviction informed both his artistic practice and his political commitments.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • But that continued dedication to masking of any kind is not merely the result of unintelligence, or misplaced hypochondria, or even being affiliated with a specific political party.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
  • He is remembered for his generosity to families in need, and his dedication to giving back to his community.
    Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Camila Mendes proved her devotion to the minimalist mule heel when out and about in New York City on Wednesday, showcasing a metallic pair from Staud with a breezy Guizio look.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 3 June 2026
  • The origins of his devotion to the field actually stem from his past life, much of which was unfortunately spent watching patients including his mother and father slowly slip away to their own respective diseases, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 3 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 6 Jun. 2026.

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