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 As loyalty moves from a retention tactic to a growth engine, the redemption experience deserves the same design and measurement rigor CMOs already apply to the acquisition funnel. Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • One of two soaking tubs faces the terrace, inviting equal allegiance to indoors and out.
    Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Aniston and Holmes have both separately pledged their allegiance to this exact Jo Malone London perfume.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The result is a style that moves effortlessly from morning to night, through work and any commitments after.
    Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The incident was due to an engineering failure aboard the warship, the US 7th Fleet said in a statement to CNN, another setback as concerns mount over the heavy strain on the US Navy due to the Iran war and global commitments.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Kids frolicked in the new Nikki Spoelstra Play Forest, one of the segment’s highlights, while a band played and vendors hawked food by South Miami City Hall as advocates and officials spoke at the dedication.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Julius Murga has deep roots in Wrigleyville, but his dedication to Sports World Chicago is rivaled only by Ganal.
    Noel Brennan, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Other rules stem from Xi’s signature anti-corruption campaign and demand for absolute devotion to the ruling Communist Party.
    Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • After a few weeks, Nikki’s acts of devotion escalate, including cooking his cat in a disturbing attempt to support his dream of becoming a food critic.
    Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Would the fidelity of those demos be good enough to green-light an actual human moon landing on the Artemis IV mission?
    Leonard David, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The monitor also has HP Eye Ease, which keeps your eyes from straining while not compromising on visual fidelity.
    George Yang, PC Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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