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 That loyalty should be viewed as a privilege, not an entitlement. — Stephan Pechdimaldji, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026 Dykes has not been in the job long enough to create the type of loyalty and support that Patterson enjoyed. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Nov. 2026 Rather than replacing Lakshmana’s traditional identity as Rama’s devoted brother, these Telugu songs augment his characterization by foregrounding the domestic sacrifices associated with his loyalty. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 The future of Miami-Dade’s largest voter bloc Nordlund predicts that lots of voters this cycle, and potentially going forward, may be more driven by issues or particular candidates than party loyalty. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • Former foes resurface to settle scores and fresh allegiances form, leaving him to act on his own to shield his family and bring things back under control.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026
  • All men recognize the right of revolution; that is, the right to refuse allegiance to, and to resist, the government, when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Researchers must again be able to plan work that takes years with reasonable confidence that commitments will be honored.
    — Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Zelenskyy has repeatedly insisted any security commitments should be clearly spelled out, including who would act, and how, if Russia attacked again.
    — Willem Marx, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Mercer's dedication has also earned recognition from his colleagues.
    — Jamal Goss, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • His nicknames usually reflect his role as a catalyst—The Initiator, The Originator, The Godfather—yet less so his ingenuity and down-home dedication.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Tesla’s Cybertruck, the hulking, stainless-steel pickup that inspired devotion and derision with its science-fiction looks, will cease production next year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The song conveys the perspective of someone wading into deep waters of enduring devotion, and longing to be the one someone leans on through the highs and lows.
    — Katie Bain, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Lockheed Martin is using high-fidelity simulations and digital engineering to accelerate development.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
  • For example, in August 2025, the China Manned Space Agency successfully tested a high-fidelity mock-up of its 26-ton Lanyue lunar lander.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 2 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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