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 Maybe not the part where the state hopes to see loyalty card records. Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025 Emotion regulation skill is what sustains collaboration, loyalty, creativity, and long-term performance—long after the hype fades. Marc Brackett, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2025 Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed his interest in Max Verstappen in June, but given the four-time world champion's loyalty to Red Bull, a move to Mercedes for the 2026 campaign has been ruled out. Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Aug. 2025 Listeners who scored Zeta 4’s card proved their loyalty to the station and could use it to get discounts at participating merchants around the Miami area. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • Our allegiance to the song and to the fans is bigger than our fear of anything outside of that.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Win McNamee—Getty Images Blackburn’s allegiance to Trump As mentioned, the MAGA Republican has a strong connection to the President and served on the executive committee of his transition team during his first presidential term.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • What’s more, a commitment to trust should be embedded across all facets of business strategy.
    Sally Percy, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The event also marked the renewal of Martell’s partnership with global star Davido, further underscoring the brand’s long-term commitment to Afrobeats.
    Nkosiyati Khumalo, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Her dedication to producing tangible improvements in the realm of social justice is evidenced by her previous positions, most recently as the director of the center for social justice at the Urban League of Southwestern Ohio.
    Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025
  • One of the biggest reasons why both SET and Parke have cemented themselves as must-have brands is their dedication to fostering their communities.
    Sarah Boyd, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Duke proved his devotion to Gladys by suggesting that Lady Sarah find her own place to live.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 3 Aug. 2025
  • While Simone and Roberta toe a dangerous line and train for a marathon together, Simone’s husband and fellow professor Ethan transgresses with the department’s secretary, despite his devotion to his wife.
    Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This sociological fidelity extends to the show’s cars and trucks; even vehicles in the background of a scene depict specific makes and models.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The shorts are available for free on the Internet Archive, YouTube, and elsewhere, but their video and audio fidelity are a mixed bag.
    Kambole Campbell, Vulture, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

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