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 The curriculum—a first for the local public school system—was also a bid to control communal loyalties in Hawaii, which the United States had annexed in 1898. H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 21 Aug. 2026 The players paid for their match tickets and for scarves and T-shirts placed on their seats as a thank you for their loyalty in travelling at such short notice. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 That covers my grocery loyalty card, emailed coupons, and app-only prices. Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026 Verstappen, with four Drivers' Championships and 71 wins, cited strong loyalty and comfort with the team. Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • But when al-Baghdadi announced in April 2013 that the Nusra Front would be folded into the Islamic State group, al-Sharaa refused and pledged allegiance to al-Qaida’s Ayman al-Zawahiri instead.
    Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Many New Yorkers who remained behind British lines during the war were not supporters of the Revolution, but in naming their son after George Washington, the Irvings declared their allegiance.
    Eric Lach, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Rezaei, who is an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamanei, said Iran will not yield to US pressure, adding the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington meets its commitments.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Despite being widely seen as a potential challenger to Infantino, the 58-year-old Ceferin expressed his commitment to UEFA.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Frederick Douglass tells his life story in this work, from the years he was enslaved in the pre-Civil War South to his escape, his freedom, his work, and his dedication to the abolitionist movement.
    Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The book examines how dedication to good governance rather than personal agenda has resulted in cooperation across party lines.
    Monitor reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This is one of the BEST ways to recreate the communal devotion that the Premier League inspires.
    Matt Piper, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • His devotion changed when his father, Henry, introduced him to parlay cards – the pencil and paper betting sheets where picking multiple winners meant a nice little payout.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Love the Georgia peach down, but respecting the fidelity of partnership has never been one of her strong points.
    Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Priced at $899, these headphones boast a groundbreaking three-way hybrid driver architecture, integrating dynamic, planar-magnetic, and balanced armature drivers for exceptional audio fidelity.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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