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 Paranoia, greed, and suspicion among the squad follow, fracturing their loyalty and soon eroding any remaining trust. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026 There’s no lack of places to shop, and more stores than ever are competing for shoppers’ loyalty and trust. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 May 2026 Kiffin knows loyalty is rarely a two-way street in his profession. Chris Smith, Vanity Fair, 11 May 2026 The delicate and fragrant violet is February's official birth month flower, symbolizing faithfulness and loyalty. Jenny Krane, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • Sauer emphasized domicile and allegiance as requirements for citizenship.
    Michael Szalma, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2026
  • The Allied Democratic Forces, which has roots in Uganda and which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in 2019, has long operated in the border region.
    Jean-Yves Kamale, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • As the Taurus Sun links with Jupiter in your 10th House of Career, commitments and long-range goals gain support.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026
  • It was announced on Friday that Subban has achieved his mission of donating $10 million to the hospital, something that, according to The Montreal Gazette, is the biggest philanthropic commitment by an athlete in Canada.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Its ownership by Beijing Tourism Group explains the dedication to local art, design, and culture here.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
  • The chef Eric Ripert and his partner, Maguy Le Coze, understand that space and time are as much luxuries as the commitment to craft and decades of dedication that give each plate here a consummate gleam.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • My grandmother stirred pots at dawn with instinct and devotion.
    Vikas Khanna, Time, 13 May 2026
  • But professional traction is evident, whether in the looming European tour or more purely via the devotion and blend of punters fronting up to lose themselves in Mercy Girl.
    Matt Thompson, SPIN, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • The funding announced on May 1, 2026 reportedly covers engineering services and data acquisition systems used to capture high-fidelity telemetry during missile test launches.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 May 2026
  • By declaring his intent before hearing the evidence, Scott showed his fidelity to Trump outweighed his fidelity to the Constitution.
    Jim Paladino, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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