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 At Métier, the British leather-goods maker that opened a New York City store earlier this year, the Passerby North-South ($2,950) won my loyalty. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026 Elite universities believe alumni loyalty translates into philanthropy. — Jayson Weingarten, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026 How to Book The hotel is part of Morgans Originals, a collection of independent hotels, and participates in Accor’s All Accor loyalty program. — Rachel Howard, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026 There’s no thank you, loyalty rate or acknowledgment of history. — Sena Kwawu, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • There could be work drama or commotion among your colleagues that shakes up existing allegiances, which will compel you to reevaluate who’s really on your team.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026
  • In that same scene, Adam also jokingly calls Olive a rebel, which could be a nod to Rey’s allegiance to the Resistance.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That said, the agreement appears to stop short of any concrete purchase commitment, and the two-month trade truce extension appears constrained compared to analysts’ pre-summit expectations of at least six months.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
  • For Circ, the agreement provides a commitment of future demand as the company works to build commercial-scale capacity.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • There’s an Islamic hadith in which the Messenger of Allah is asked by a man to name the person most deserving of his love, attention, and dedication.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Carrie Coon will be the first recipient of the Vancouver International Film Festival’s new Luminary Award in the acting category, honoring excellence and dedication to the art of moving image.
    — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • According to industry gossip at the time, the only reason George even released this single was his pure fanboy devotion.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
  • These people love something so much that their devotion mirrors the kind of energy normally reserved for higher stakes.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Lay disciples typically uphold the vow of brahmacharya by maintaining fidelity toward their spouse.
    — Bhakti Mamtora, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Birdbuddy's first two cameras, the Nature Cam and Nature Cam Pro, wowed me with sharp detail, smooth 30fps video, and excellent color fidelity.
    — Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 27 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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